K-12 educational outreach - veterans legacy program: MSU's garden state veterans legacy program (gsvlp) will enroll teachers in a 12-month curriculum development program

The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration awarded Montclair State University $318,971 on September 1, 2026, under the Veterans Legacy Grants Program (CFDA 64.204) to deliver the Garden State Veterans Legacy Program, a 12-month curriculum development initiative for K–12 educators.

The program enrolls teachers in professional historical research methods using specialized databases including Ancestry.com, Fold3, and military archives to uncover the experiences of veterans with connections to New Jersey. Participants undertake a three-day field trip to Beverly National Cemetery, Finn's Point National Cemetery, Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, and Washington Crossing National Cemetery. The project culminates in student-led research and public engagement through a research showcase and exhibition hosted at Montclair State University.

Performance runs through August 31, 2027, with all work taking place in New Jersey. The Veterans Legacy Grants Program funds cemetery research, educational materials development, and community engagement activities that promote public understanding of veterans' histories interred in national, State, or Tribal veterans' cemeteries.

Participants will learn professional historical research methods using specialized databases like ancestry.COM, FOLD3, and military archives to uncover the experiences of veterans with connections to new jersey. A central component of the program is a three-day field trip to beverly national cemetery, finn's point national cemetery, brigadier general william c. Doyle memorial cemetery, and washington crossing national cemetery. The project also includes student-led research and public engagement through a research showcase and an exhibition at montclair state university.