The National Park Foundation, Ball State and almost 20 million children and community members from 49 states and 3 countries will participate in a simultaneous virtual visit to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On October 17 children from across the country and around the world will take part in Ball State's Electronic Field Trip complete with live tours, in-class activities, and an online panel of experts. The program, developed by teachers and National Park Service educators, will broadcast live from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other prominent historical landmarks. 

"Our National Parks preserve history so future generations can see the past in the present and learn the stories of America in the places where they actually happened," said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation.  "Using cutting-edge technology to connect our children to their heritage ensures that National Parks remain vital and relevant."

Ball State's Electronic Field Trip "Freedom in America: Some Assembly Required" is an interactive 60-minute broadcast from Independence National Historical Park featuring Park experts as well as online and in-class activities.  Working alongside experts on the show, students will learn about our Nation's "firsts" by examining historical photos, maps, artifacts and documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; touring the 21 historical sites of Independence National Historical Park; and questioning experts through a live satellite feed, email and phone calls.

"The partnership between the National Park Foundation and Ball State University's Electronic Field Trips program is giving millions of children the opportunity to learn about our nation's history using the very unique platform," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. "This innovative use of interactive technology will allow viewers to see Philadelphia and its history, converse with leading experts, and deepen their learning experience through the use of Web-based educational games and lesson plans based on national standards."

Ball State's Electronic Field Trips program, which is supported by Best Buy Children's Foundation, received six Telly Awards for last year's programming. The Web site is a key part of the program and was honored by the Center for Digital Education with a Best of the Web award in 2005 and two gold awards at the 2006 World Media Festival.

The partnership with Ball State is part of the National Park Foundation's ongoing efforts to connect America's youth to their National Parks. In April 2006, the National Park Foundation and Ball State University hosted the largest ever simultaneous "visit" to a National Park when approximately 36 million viewers took an Electronic Field Trip to Carlsbad Caverns during National Park Week.  In 2007, the University and the Foundation will partner on two Electronic Field Trips, examining the unique ecosystems and distinct human culture at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and learning about the Japanese internment camps at Manzanar National Historic Site. 

About the National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org) is 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy to help preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks.  As the official non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation strengthens the connection between the American people and their National Parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness.  Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant. 

Electronic Field Trip Schedule for 2006-07:

• "Freedom in America: Some Assembly Required," Oct. 17, National Historic Park, Philadelphia
• "Eruption! An Island Rising from the Sea," Dec. 5, Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii 
• "Desert Diamonds Behind Barbed Wire," Feb. 19, 2007, Manzanar War Relocation Center, California
• "Going, Going, Faster: The Science of Speed!" April 17, 2007, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis
• "Listening to our Ancestors," May 8, 2007, North Pacific Coast, Juneau, Alaska