August 1, 2025
Student Leadership NORTH has been awarded funding from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program for the second consecutive year and third time overall to continue production of their acclaimed podcast series "History in our Backyard." The organization's 2027 cohort will produce Season 2 of the educational podcast, which will align with America250, the national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The second season will feature student-created episodes exploring Georgia's rich historical narrative, from its pre-colonial origins through its pivotal role in the American Revolution and the formation of the new republic. Student leaders will utilize primary and secondary sources from the Library of Congress's extensive digital archives to research, script, and record these educational podcasts.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Library of Congress once again to bring history to life through the voices of our student leaders," said Irene Sanders, Executive Director of Student Leadership NORTH. "This funding allows our students to dive deep into Georgia's fascinating history while developing critical research, writing, and communication skills."
The timing of Season 2 aligns perfectly with America250, which provides "an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond." The podcast episodes will serve as valuable educational resources for both classroom instruction and independent learning by history enthusiasts.
The Student Leadership NORTH 2027 cohort will begin topic selection and research in September 2025, with podcast production scheduled for completion in March 2026. Each episode will be accompanied by detailed show notes and educational materials suitable for classroom use.
"Our student leaders are excited to explore the stories that shaped Georgia's role in America's founding," added Katherine Perrotta, Leadership Johns Creek board member and professor at Mercer University who leads the research aspect of the project. "From indigenous communities to colonial settlements to revolutionary battlefields, these podcasts will uncover the local history that connects directly to our nation's broader narrative."
The "History in our Backyard" podcast series has gained recognition for its student-driven approach to historical education, combining rigorous primary source research with engaging storytelling. The Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program supports educational initiatives that help students develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of historical documents and artifacts.
Season 2 episodes will be available on major podcast platforms and will include supplementary educational materials for teachers and students. The completed podcasts will serve as a lasting educational resource aligned with America250 commemorative activities.