The Lebanon Valley Historical Society will present Elizabeth Sheffer’s program, “Eleanor’s Traveling Suitcase – Unpacking a Life Close to Home,” on Monday, October 21, at 7 pm at the New Lebanon Town Hall.
Eleanor Roosevelt traveled the world throughout her life. The National Park Service will be introducing “Eleanor’s Traveling Suitcase” to schools in the near future. Schools will be able to rent the suitcase, which will be filled with artifacts representing different phases of Mrs. Roosevelt’s life. Along with the artifacts will be seven units highlighting Mrs. Roosevelt’s life from childhood through her days as “The First Lady of the World.” The units that will be available were developed by Elizabeth Sheffer and National Park Ranger Education Specialist and Trainer Susanne Norris.
Elizabeth Sheffer has 40 years experience in the education field. She began her teaching career in the Berlin Central School District then continued in the Berkshire Farm Union Free School District and finally in the New Lebanon Central School District. During her teaching career, she taught social studies grades 7 – 10, English, basic skills and home economics. Throughout her career, Sheffer was active in her local unions, serving as secretary, historian, VOTE/COPE liaison and local president. In 1997 she began working for NYSUT, New York State United Teachers, in the office of Research and Educational Services. Her areas of specialty are curriculum, instruction, standards, assessments, Academic Intervention Services, Shared Decision Making, Commissioner’s Regulations Part 100 and any educational issues that affect classroom instruction.
Sheffer holds a BA in History from SUNY Potsdam and an MA in History/Political Science from the College of St. Rose. She has received several grants to create curricula and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Egypt.
Her four children are scattered from Nassau, NY, to Boston, MA, to Osnabruk, Germany. The love of her life is her granddaughter Olivia. Elizabeth lives in Lebanon Springs with her wonderful Tony and beloved dog Umay.