;

Use state and federal funding to meet civic education and literacy goals with Close Up! LEARN MORE

DC & Gettysburg Middle School Program

Make connections in U.S. history by exploring the Gettysburg Battlefield and the awe-inspiring monuments and memorials of Washington, DC.

Travel back in time to pivotal moments in history!

On Close Up’s thrilling, five-day/four-night Washington, DC, and Gettysburg Middle School Program, students walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers and take in some of our country’s most iconic historical sites. Guided by our highly trained instructors, Close Up students have the opportunity to: 

  • Discuss the historical events that have shaped our nation through visits to must-see sites in Washington, DC, and Gettysburg; 
  • Engage with peers to debate pressing national issues in an interactive Mock Congress; 
  • Experience the Battle of Gettysburg through the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a dramatic sound-and-light program that’s four stories tall; 
  • Explore battlefield relics in the Gettysburg Museum’s engaging exhibits; 
  • Reflect on the importance of one of America’s great speeches while visiting the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address; and 
  • Walk through the Battle of Gettysburg and learn more about the Civil War with a Gettysburg park ranger! 

BROCHURE > EN ESPAÑOL >    VIDEO >

Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participant under 18 years of age. Learn how we keep all students safe, secure, and supervised on every program.

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EXPLORE ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Washington, D.C.

Watch history come to life in this ultimate, hands-on D.C. experience! Learn More >

Fourth of July 2025

Celebrate Independence Day with Close Up in D.C. and Philadelphia! Learn More >

Customize a Program for Your School

Partner with us to design a customized D.C. experience for your school. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & New York City

Explore the inspiring landmarks, monuments, and memorials in two iconic cities! Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Philadelphia

Journey through history by exploring these important American cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Williamsburg

Discuss the evolution of American democracy in visits to two of our nation’s most historical cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Mount Vernon

Experience U.S. history up close with visits to our nation’s capital and the estate of our first president. Learn More >

New Americans Program

Discover our nation’s diverse heritage in a D.C. program geared toward immigrant and migrant students. Learn More >

Local Programs

Start a local program in your area focused on state and local history! Learn More >

Close Up has decades of grant experience; contact us today for assistance with using your federal funds!

“

I’m truly blown away by what Close Up’s been able to accomplish in the last two weeks during IMPACT 2020…

The material seems very high level, and my daughter’s been very motivated to participate every day. I wanted to be sure to commend the staff on providing such a great experience!

— Alison, Parent, MA ”
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“

I plan to introduce Close Up’s professional development to the teachers I work with…

and use this as a part of my school’s requirement that students take action on issues of local, national, and international importance.

— Middle School, Educator, South Carolina ”
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“

Close Up made me realize how SIGNIFICANT my thoughts and views are…

Although everyone will not always agree, everyone has a voice and needs to be heard.

— Christie, Student, Texas ”
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“

I learned that there’s a huge network of people with the same goals and drive as me…

and that our collaboration really could make a difference. It gave me hope for the future of our communities and our nation!

— Kemper, Student, Texas ”
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