Northwestern Lehigh Middle School teacher Pamela Peters has been selected a state winner and cited as an “outstanding Teacher of American History” by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Peters was given the award at the state conference April 26.

“It was very humbling to say the least,” she said, “I was given the award and delivered an acceptance speech to several hundred people, all DAR members.”

“I am now a daughter of the Valley Forge DAR,” Peters said.

Membership to the DAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution), is “limited to direct lineal descendants of soldiers or others of the American Revolution era.”

Peters traces her lineage to Christorpher Stoffel Rex who is buried at the Heidelberg Union Church cemetery.

“I knew about my family,” she explained, but “I had to prove direct lineage. You have to be a direct descendant that you have to prove.”

“I found out about all my connections as an officer of the Lynn-Heidelberg Historical Society,” she said. “Justine Bachman [another historical society trustee], pushed me to apply.”

The application process is a lengthy one.

“I had to give my entire resume, and they required recommendations from people who know me,” she explained.

“I knew I was a direct descendant and I went as far as I could but the DAR in Washington, DC and the local DAR had access [to so much more],” she said.

With honor comes responsibility.

“My state region has invited me to be a vice chair of commemorative events with a focus on educational material,” Peters explained. “For every upcoming event, I would develop materials and lesson plans as a resource for teachers and others. It’s a brand-new position.”

The challenge is nothing new for the 28-year veteran educator who is certified to teach middle school social studies and ELA.

She is currently teaching American history to eighth graders.

Each year, Peters urges her students to bring history to life at Applefest, encouraging them to dress in colonial costume and demonstrate aspects of early American life.

At the celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, Allemaengel 250 in Kempton last spring, she herself dressed as a colonist to participate in the celebration.

“At one of our chapter meetings, I came in colonial attire and talked about local history and how this area [features] in America’s colonial history,” she said.

Peters continues to find ways to bring history to life for her students through immersive study.

“To me hands-on elements make the history come alive. I don’t want my students to memorize. I want them to understand. That means involving my students in immersive learning and making connections to timeless themes.”

The experienced teacher is up to the challenge.

“I created materials for the chapter on how to memorialize what happened [on 9/11] out in Shanksville. I created a bio for each of the passengers on Flight 93.”

Individuals are then encouraged to volunteer or serve on behalf of “the passenger or crew member.”

“For Veteran’s Day, I want to teach the kids flag etiquette, including the proper way on how to fold the flag,” she said.

Peters is determined to “make sure the kids know that our area is rich in American history. We’re a rural community and we’re rich in our heritage,” she said.

In her class, she encourages her students to “Respect the frontier and the lives of the settlers while at the same time honor the history of indigenous people and how they used and respected animals and the environment.”

“The students have to learn how to pitch a tent, and brainstorm ways to solve problems from another period of time,” she said. “They begin to understand what life was like for a colonial soldier.”

“I admire Pam’s passion for history,” said vice principal Amy Wahl. “I admire what she does for the community. Listening to her gets me excited.”