To celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, Fulbright Scholars from around the world are learning about America’s history, natural beauty, and innovations. American colleges and universities, including community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and military academies, can invite Visiting Scholars to share their expertise through the Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF). Fulbright OLFs include special Freedom 250 activities that partner Fulbrighters with local museums, schools, businesses, and community organizations that showcase American heritage and excellence.
U.S.S. Lexington Museum
During her OLF academic engagement at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Egyptian scholar Dr. Noha ElBana visited the U.S.S. Lexington, a World War II aircraft carrier that now serves as a naval aviation museum. The experience provided her with new insight into U.S. history and maritime leadership and a broader understanding of American heritage.
Statue of Liberty
During his OLF academic engagement at Brooklyn College, Vietnamese scholar Bao-Son Trinh visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. “Learning about the international collaboration, engineering complexities, and symbolic intentions behind the Statue of Liberty was both inspiring and informative. The monument stands as an extraordinary work that embodies the ideals of freedom, democracy, and international cooperation.”
Grand Canyon National Park
Kausik Ghosh, from India, visited the Grand Canyon National Park while lecturing at University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University. He said, “The vast canyon, layered rock formations, and immense scale reflected the beauty and geological richness of the American landscape.” He found it particularly meaningful that several rock formations have names drawn from Hindu deities, as it reflects the openness of Americans to explore other cultures.
American Revolutionary and Civil War History
Miriam Goldby visited Valley Forge National Park and Gettysburg National Park while on her OLF program at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, and learned about the decisive Revolutionary and Civil War events that took place at these locations. She reflected, “Visiting these two sites showcasing key moments in United States military and national history was very moving and left a lasting impression. I was struck by the perseverance and the hardship that they were prepared to endure.”
American Chemical Manufacturing
As part of her OLF Freedom 250 activity at Lyon College in Arkansas, Sri Lankan Fulbrighter Lokuketagodage Hasini Rangika Perera visited FutureFuel Chemical Company to gain firsthand insight into U.S. leadership in chemical manufacturing and workforce upskilling. She observed, “Visiting the FutureFuel facilities gave me a clear view of how research, manufacturing, and quality control are closely integrated in U.S. industry.”
9/11 Memorial
Between his OLF lectures at New York University and Guttman Community College, Zambian scholar Dr. Thomas Mtongo took part in an “emotional and educational” visit to the 9/11 Memorial, where he “gained a deeper understanding of the resilience demonstrated by the American people following the September 11 attacks. The experience reflected the spirit of unity, determination and national recovery that continues to shape the identify of New York City.”
Historic Philadelphia
Drexel University arranged a history tour of Philadelphia for Dr. Neha Sardana, a scholar from India. Visiting iconic landmarks, the National Constitution Center, and museums focused on science and the American Revolution. She reflected that the value of freedom was clearly on display, as well as the “role of scientific progress, innovation, and public education in the nation’s development.”
American Military History
Malwina Marciniak, a visiting scholar from Poland, visited the Westerly Armory and the World War II Museum during an OLF academic engagement at the University of Rhode Island. A guide from the local community provided insight on America’s decisive role in World War II and its local and national impact, while an extensive collection of artifacts helped bring the historical stories to life.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
Revathi Ponnuswamy visited the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia during her OLF lecturing visit to Fort Valley State University. She reflected that the park “bridges pre-colonial, colonial, and modern America,” and that her visit “revealed that the nation’s strength lies not only in its independence, but in its deep-rooted history, natural beauty, and commitment to innovation and preservation.”