Summer Public History Institute for High School Students

Summer Public History Institute

July 10-21, 2023

Join us this summer for a 2-week day program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors—and immerse yourself in the rich history of Boston’s colonial and Revolutionary eras with the inaugural Suffolk University Summer Public History Institute.

Through historical site visits, small group discussions, and behind-the-scenes museum tours guided by expert history and art & design faculty, students will learn valuable skills in historical research, museum studies, and digital interpretation. Their studies will culminate in the creation of individualized digital exhibits using their very own Meta Quest unit, a cutting-edge virtual reality technology, which each student will get to keep!

Registration is still open!

We still have some spots available for students and will continue to register participants on a space-available basis—first come, first served. If you are entering tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade in fall 2023, we invite you to register. Sessions meet Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., July 10-21.

Register Now

Program Cost

The Suffolk University Summer Public History Institute costs $2,500. Lunch and transportation to all site visits are included in the program cost. Students will get to take home the Meta Quest (virtual reality headset) they are provided for the program. 

Program Highlights

During the program, students will gain hands-on, unparalleled access to some of the Boston area’s most celebrated museums and historic sites, including the Freedom Trail, Revolutionary Spaces, Old North Church, the John F. Kennedy Library, and historic archaeological and building sites related to African American History and the Salem witchcraft trials. You’ll also network with Suffolk University alumni who have built careers leading the area’s cultural institutions.

Come make your way with us as you build new friendships, forge professional networks, and bring the past to life in the present.

Sample Travel Day Schedule 

Time Events
8:30 - 9 a.m. Arrival
9 - 9:30 a.m.  Travel to site visit (on foot or via T or chartered bus)
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sample site visit: Paul Revere House and Old North Church
12:30 - 1 p.m. Return to campus
1 - 2 p.m. Lunch
2 - 3 p.m. Small group discussion
3 - 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Technology workshop/studio time for digital exhibit creation
4:30 - 5 p.m. Dismissal/pick up 

Transportation to and from campus is the responsibility of participants and families.

Note: This is not an overnight/residential program and housing is not provided.

Important Deadlines

  • June 9: Last day to request a refund (minus non-refundable $500 deposit)
  • June 14: Optional Zoom information session/Q&A with program director & staff

If you have questions about this summer program, or want to learn more, please email Lauren Nolfo-Clements, Associate Dean, Administration, Operations & Planning. To check on the status of your registration, email Erik Gullard, Associate Director of Admissions.