American history teachers in grades 5, 8, 11, and 12 will participate in this professional development effort to strengthen content knowledge, improve instructional strategies, sustain professional development in U.S. history teaching, and encourage collaboration among history educators. A core group of 40 teachers will take history course work, pedagogical training, and research-oriented trips to historic sites on the east and west coasts. In-service training, summer institutes, and U.S. history conferences are provided for an additional 40+, who will receive mentoring from core group teachers. Project partners include Humboldt State University, Humboldt County Historical Society, Blue Ox Millworks, Sumac Native American Village at Patrick's Point State Park, For Humboldt State Park, Humboldt County Maritime Museum, Clark Museum, Redwood Area History/Social Studies Project, and Stairway Academy. Course work focuses on U.S. history from pre-Columbian times to the present.