‘History in Your Hands’ forges ahead
Worried about if there will be a next generation of coin collectors? Looking to take action to help the future of the hobby? Consider the possibilities of working with the…
Worried about if there will be a next generation of coin collectors? Looking to take action to help the future of the hobby? Consider the possibilities of working with the non-profit Chicago-based organization History in Your Hands Foundation.
HIYHF provides educators with physical historic objects meant to catch the attention of U.S. and world history students. The goal of the organization is to provide students with “hands-on interaction with historical objects thereby promoting interest and enjoyment in history via an enriched learning experience.”
HIYHF provides programs that bring physical history to students by working with educational institutions.
The stipulated goal of the organization is to “help add to the learning experience and will not take over the classroom but will merely work with each teacher to bring exciting activities using historical objects into their classrooms. Bring Egypt, Rome, or Greece to life or study coins from 7th century BC to modern age as well as historical maps from centuries past. Every one of the pieces we can bring have a story to tell.”
The organization offers historic objects that are related to and complement the curricula of a school. HIYHF manages and coordinates short-term loans of these objects from collectors to schools. The organization also plans field trips to partner museums and organizations, conducts seminars on specific areas of history at schools, and arranges special presentations such as re-enactments of historical scenes to further enhance the subject being studied.
The advisory board for the organization includes educators, art and museum curators, librarians, and trade professionals with experience in various aspects of history.
The board creates and delivers conceptual ideas, determines fund allocation and reviews all suggested programs.
HIYHF is funded by private donations and from ticket and booth sales for the upcoming Chicago Coin Expo and Fourth Chicago International Map Fair, each planned to be held at the Chicago Cultural Center.
According to the HIYHF website (click here), “We believe teachers have one of the hardest jobs anyone can do and each teacher knows their students best.”
If you have some coins you’d like to share with kids, or perhaps some time you can contribute, then you should contact HIYHF. The more current collectors get involved, the more opportunity younger people will have to take an interest in coins.
This article was originally printed in World Coin News. >> Subscribe today.
More Collecting Resources
• If you enjoy reading about what inspires coin designs, you'll want to check out Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths about U.S. Coins.
• Check out the newly-updated Standard Catalog of World Coins, 2001-Date that provides accurate identification, listing and pricing information for the latest coin releases.
