"Within the Shadows of Cumberland Gap," a new CD-ROM will be unveiled on March 23 during a teachers' workshop being held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum auditorium on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University (LMU).

Created and choreographed by National Park Service Ranger Pam Eddy, this "living workbook" developed for educators, focuses on early westward expansion through the Cumberland Gap, the nation's first doorway to the west. While this complete teaching tool is geared towards fifth and sixth grade students, components of the program are appropriate for other age groups. The CD is aligned with current curriculum standards for Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. With still photography as well as live footage from re-enactors, the multi-media tool brings to life the world of the American Indian, explorer, land speculator, surveyor, pioneer, indentured servant, African-American slave and others who journeyed through the Gap. Students also learn to make soap, candles and moccasins using brain-tanned hides and choose what 18th century belongings to pack in preparation for their migration west. Worksheets connect five of the main themes highlighted in the CD in geographic, cultural, and economic frameworks to other countries, thus making this a global learning medium.

Park Superintendent Mark Woods applauds the project not only as a superb teaching tool, but also as a showcase epitomizing partnerships. "The park received seed money through a National Park Service grant to begin this monumental project. Partnerships enabled us to complete the project. We especially want to thank Director Connie Wright and Assistant Director Tony Maxwell at the Center for Professional Corroboration at LMU and Mapletree Studios (formerly Eastern Sky Productions) in Knoxville, Tennessee for their significant contributions to the project." Wright and Maxwell furnished guidance as to curriculum standards and to LMU education majors who developed lesson plans for the CD. Mapletree Studios donated well over $60,000 worth of production, editing and authoring time formatting the project into CD-format. Woods noted that Mapletree Studios' penchant for excellence is embodied in the CD.

Pioneer James Smith, in his journal of 1792, penned what is perhaps one of the most poignant descriptions of the Gap: "We started just as the sun began to gild the tops of the high mountains. We ascended Cumberland Mountain, from the top of which the bright luminary of day appeared to our view in all his rising glory; the mists dispersed and the floating clouds hasted away at his appearing. This is the famous Cumberland GapŠ" Superintendent Woods explains that it is the park's goal that both teachers and students experience similar inspiration during their exploration of the Cumberland Gap and westward expansion through the CD.

Teachers attending the March 23rd workshop, scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., will receive a free copy of the CD in addition to professional development credit. There is no cost to attend. Cumberland Gap park staff will introduce the CD; staff from Mapletree Studios will also be available to answer questions. Teachers can register for the workshop by calling Connie Wright or Sue England at Lincoln Memorial University at 423-869-6253. Teachers who cannot attend this workshop but would like a workshop scheduled for their schools should contact Park Ranger Carol Borneman at (606) 246-1070.