Local History

This course focuses on the study of the history of the Napa Valley from the Wappo to the American pioneers. Independent Work is a significant part of the class, with weekly reading and writing assignments.  The readings for this course are taken from textbooks as well as primary documents.  A timeline of the major historical events along with topography and political maps are created and studied by the students and serve as a basis from which class discussions and individual studies emanate. Local outings to enrich the students’ understanding of what they are learning are a significant part of the class. Some of these outings include local cemeteries, museums, St. Helena Historical Society, and a tour of Main Street St. Helena. For the research project, emphasis is placed on non-internet sources. The students are challenged to use books, interviews, newspaper articles, etc., and as a very last resort, websites are permitted with the approval of the teacher. One of our goals in enabling the students to see primary documents and research collections is to give them a better understanding and appreciation for the work that goes into information collection and organization. This is an invaluable lesson in this age of information and an important outcome of a Montessori education—an appreciation for the work that has been done before us and from which we have so greatly benefitted. This research is shared with their peers at the culminating “Presentation Day,” giving each student a broader understanding of the period of study.