Brought to you by: The Wall That Heals Rutherford County, NC Committee
Group Educational and Open Tours
Guided Educational Tours at The Wall That Heals
History isn’t just in textbooks – it’s here at home. Schools, church groups, civic organizations and community groups are invited to experience The Wall That Heals through guided educational tours designed to inspire reflection and connect visitors with the stories behind the 58,281 names etched in stone.
Guided tours are available for students in grade 3 and above, as well as college groups and adult organizations seeking a meaningful educational experience.
Tour availability is limited and spots fill quickly. To reserve your group’s visit, email thewallthathealsspindalenc@gmail.com or text us at 828-351-4955 today.
Self-guided tours will also be open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the exhibit.
Bring History to Life for Your Students, Church, or Community Group
One of the greatest characteristics of The Wall That Heals is that two trained staff members accompany the exhibit. These staff provide grade level curriculum to students that requires no preliminary effort on behalf of their teachers yet can lead to classroom discussion and activities following the visit.
Additional education resources can be found on their website below
Mobile Education Center (MEC)
The exhibit includes a replica of The Memorial (The Wall) and two sides (A and B) of the Mobile Education Center (MEC) built into the sides of the semitruck trailer. Specific topics and lessons are entirely dependent upon the grade level but in general tours include three to five stations. Student tours cannot be piecemealed together, forgoing station(s). The topics covered in five stations are generally also covered in three stations. The lessons and topics covered at each reinforce and build upon each other.
MEC A – Students explore the Vietnam War era, the purpose of our involvement, what was happening in the US and Vietnam and how that changed our nation (Timeline). They are introduced to the local men and women who served and died in Vietnam (Hometown Heroes TV display) or after they returned (In Memory TV display). They begin to explore the collection of items left behind at The Wall and how that helped us better understand those honored by The Memorial (Vietnam display case).
MEC B – Through the collection, students continue to learn about topics such as the draft, POW/MIAs, and the long-term impact of the war to its veterans because of PTSD, Agent Orange, and other issues. They are introduced to why The Wall was created—to honor those who served and sacrificed—and how every part of its design was intentionally created to tell that story.
The Wall – Students learn of the controversy surrounding the design and additions made to compromise with the critics. They are introduced to the artistic vision of the designer and the overall layout of The Wall. They conclude at the apex of The Wall learning how the names are listed, symbols found on each panel and introduction to some of those names.
The Wall Overview – When used, this station highlights the design competition, the vision of the designer and the ensuing criticism. They better understand how The Wall relates to other memorials and the additions made to enhance the visitor experience through the Three Servicemen Statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the In Memory plaque.
Pop Ups – When used, informational pop-ups allow for students to better understand the draft and when possible, experience their own “draft.” Through this, they can relate to the inherent shortcomings. In addition, students can dive deeper into the pivotal year of 1968 and all the events that occurred in Vietnam and stateside that dramatically changed this war and our nation.
From entry to exit, student tours are sixty minutes in length.
Students who visit The Wall That Heals have an educational experience far exceeding what they might have learned on a trip to Washington, D.C. Moreover, they have a better understanding of the Vietnam War and its impact on our nation. Because there is no preparation necessary by the teachers/administration for this field trip, it is an invaluable visit to cover the curriculum that may often be overlooked or underrepresented.
Education: Teaching the Vietnam Era
The Vietnam War is one of the most divisive moments in US history, and because of this, many educators experience difficulty teaching it in their classrooms. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund provides teachers with robust education materials to help students learn about the lasting impact of the Vietnam War, while reinforcing history, civic engagement, writing, and other interdisciplinary skills.
Click Link for additional educational materials: The War and The Wall Curriculum Set - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Volunteer Opportunities for Stations
Help bring healing home. Volunteer to be part of The Wall That Heals guided tour experience and help visitors connect with stories, sacrifice, and legacy behind the 58,281 names. please email thewallthathealsspindalenc@gmail.com or text us at 828-351-4955
Station Lead - These volunteers serve as the teacher at one station. They explore the topics and lessons from the displays and help reinforce lessons from other stations. Station leaders must attend the volunteer orientation at 6 PM on Wednesday, November 11 and also be trained at their station before they can volunteer. This training will provide an overview and topics that should be covered depending upon the grade level of the students. It is preferable these volunteers have classroom experience to adapt and engage with the students to make it successful for everyone. Because of the training necessary, station leaders should serve extended shifts whenever possible.
Guide – These volunteers serve with each of the student groups, helping monitor time, assist the station lead, and support group movement. When students arrive, they are offloaded and split into even-sized groups. When possible, students should be grouped by grade level so that lessons and topics are relevant to each group. A guide escorts each group to a station, and the tours begin.
Upon conclusion of the session time (e.g., 15 minutes), the guides escort the group to the next station. This is repeated until each group has visited all the stations and the students return to their buses/transportation. It is recommended that these guides attend the volunteer orientation.