Chesapeake High School Revisits Historic Hancock’s Resolution

By Maya Pottiger

At the very end of Bayside Beach Road, Historic Hancock’s Resolution waits to share its centuries-old history with younger generations.

Now, through their signature program, Chesapeake High School students are becoming more engaged with the historic farm.

“Over the course of the last couple years, I have been trying to think of ways to incorporate our signature program with Hancock’s Resolution,” said Melissa Bajadek, the signature coordinator at CHS. “This year, we’ve been working on building that relationship.”

On April 10, CHS students visited the farm for a variety of educational activities. The environmental science students tested the water quality and soil, learned about the invasive plant species on the property and participated in other hands-on activities.

PHOTO GALLERY: CHS Students Use Hancock's As Educational Resource

“Hancock’s provides an opportunity for students to connect with their history, to study and connect with the environment and to appreciate the quiet beauty here,” said Dianne Feeney, one of the docents at Hancock’s. “Books and Google provide a wealth of information, but stepping inside our root cellar or drawing water from the well makes that information real.”

In addition to the environmental science students, the child development classes learned directly from the docents about how to run activities at the farm.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult for them to take on what they’ve done in the past,” Bajadek said. “Our goal starting next year is to bring every elementary school in the feeder out for a Hancock’s Resolution Day. Our child development kids will run the rotations.”

Going forward, Bajadek also wants to bring art students and Maryland history students out to utilize Hancock’s as a resource.

“I was blown away by what a phenomenal resource it is for Pasadena,” Bajadek said, “and for our kids in Pasadena to not be going there on a regular basis is sad to me, so I needed to come up with a way to fix that.”

Leslie Bridgett, who does public outreach for Hancock’s, said it’s important to get the next generation excited about the farm and its history.

“It’s a very exciting place, and we would like to find ways to help our local community understand the value of what they have,” Bridgett said. “It’s a true gem of a historic location, but we need to help them understand that.”

Feeney agreed, saying that young people “bring excitement, curiosity and energy that energizes and encourages the Hancock’s volunteers.”

“They are giving us the opportunity share our story,” Feeney said. “I hope the students will be stimulated to offer fresh ideas, develop new interests or gain a deeper understanding of their studies.”

READ MORE ABOUT CHESAPEAKE HIGH SCHOOL:

Chesapeake Students Present Projects To Military Veterans
CHS Singing Group Evolve Headed To ICHSA Semifinal
CHS Robotics Team Begins 12th Competition Season

READ MORE ABOUT HISTORIC HANCOCK'S RESOLUTION:

Historic Hancock's Resolution Looks To Build On The Past
The Blanchards Keep History Alive At Hancock’s Resolution
Hancock’s Resolution Gives Guests The Closest Tool To Time-Travel