Making History Come Alive: How Stephen Hodges Inspires OHVA Students 

For most students, history class means memorizing names, dates, and events; however, Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) eighth grade history teacher Stephen Hodges strives to bring the subject to life and offer more than what’s found in the textbook. 

Hodges has taught at OHVA for more than seven years. He traces his love of history back to his roots in Virginia where he was surrounded by historic battlefields, colonial landmarks, and stories that go back more than 400 years.   

Early in his OHVA career, he created short videos on everyday traditions and the little things in history that people might not think about. For example, he created one video focused on why people make New Year’s resolutions, why we have Halloween, and what is the origin of Valentine’s Day. 

The goal of the videos was to show students that traditions and holidays all have a history. Those small video lessons ended up turning into larger projects like “History Geek Adventures,” which were field trips that students could take across historical places in Ohio, as well as a history club that looked at historical topics such as life in colonial America. 

Established just after the COVID pandemic lockdowns, the history club was a way to socialize virtually, while learning, and now reaches approximately 200 students and offers junior, middle school, and high school groups.    

History club members dive into different topics from things you use every day, like the history of forks, to the story of the Underground Railroad. The intention is to keep meetings fun with interactive games and field trips.  

“It’s not just about wars, fighting and battles,” Hodges says. “Everything has a history, and we want students to see that.  

Hodges also brings history to life for students by dressing in historically accurate 1700s period clothing. He sometimes also surprises students at events, or will log onto the virtual class in a tricorn hat, for example, noting that “it always gets someone’s attention.” 

Reproduction artifacts are often also brought to lessons with the goal of letting students guess the purpose of objects, such as powder measures for guns or antique cufflinks from the 1700s. 

“It’s one thing to read about history,” he says. “It’s another to see it, hear it, and imagine how people really lived.” 

OHVA’s Living History Camp, which is held each March near Columbus, is another place where students (from grades 4–7) can step into that past. They try candle-dipping, sample food cooked over an open fire, can explore tomahawk throwing and reconstructed cabins. It is one of the unique opportunities that allow the students face-to face-interaction with those you have connected with online. 

Aside from camp, Hodges also helps organize as many as 13 field trips a year, from local museums to historical reenactments. One highlight is OHVA’s Washington, D.C. trip, which is held every other October. He also has plans to expand trips to places like Colonial Williamsburg and Philadelphia.  

Hodges says that these types of experiences are about connection as much as they are about academics. Students form friendships at camps and field trips and can meet their teachers in person. In the end, Hodges’ mission is clear – to show students that history is alive, relevant, and worth exploring. 

“When students see themselves in those stories,” he says, “that is when history really comes alive.” 

Discover how Ohio Virtual Academy makes history come alive! Explore interactive clubs, field trips, and hands-on experiences that turn the past into an adventure.

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