Faces of Fort Point

Thank you for your interest in participating in Parks as Classrooms. Unfortunately, we are not currently accepting applications.

Please check our website in mid-August for updated information on our application process for the 2025-2026 school year. For questions, please email GOGA_Education@nps.gov

Overview

Grade 8

How can historical inquiry reveal lost narratives?

Faces of Fort Point engages students in firsthand analysis of primary and secondary sources to uncover the hidden stories of individuals who lived and worked at Fort Point.

Completed at the onset of the Civil War, Fort Point played an important role in the protection of the San Francisco Bay against potential enemy attacks. Students will learn to challenge traditional narratives by using historic sources to analyze the role of California in the Civil War and reveal the untold stories of the people who lived and worked at Fort Point.

This inquiry-based program teaches students how to interpret sources and understand how historical narratives can be shaped by interpretation. Through this analysis of historic resources, students will learn that historic inquiry can result in the discovery of lost perspectives which enhance our understanding of the past.

The Faces of Fort Point program uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with California K-12 History–Social Science Content Standards and Common Core Standards. The program is framed by the essential question - "How can historical inquiry reveal lost narratives?”

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links will be shared shortly

Program Structure

The Faces of Fort Point program is structured in the following three-touch model:

1. Classroom Preparation – Teachers complete 3 pre-lessons delivered with resources provided by the park to prepare students for the field session. A pre-visit lesson by NPS staff is also offered before the field session – please share details about preferred NPS staff visit in the Education Reservation Request Form.
2. Field Session – The fort experience in which students conduct a history investigation. Please share details about preferred field visit date in the Education Reservation Request Form.
3. Classroom Assessment – Opportunities for students to demonstrate what they have learned through writing or drawing activities. Please email or mail back student work to NPS staff.

How to Apply

Please check our website in mid-August for updated information on our application process for the 2025-2026 school year. For questions, please email GOGA_Education@nps.gov.