Embedded Journalist to Report on French and Indian War

Embedded Journalist to Report on French and Indian War

Modern-day conventions make the past more accessible to those in the present

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A new program was launched today that features reports on the French and Indian War from a fictitious 18th Century journalist similar to the modern-day embedded journalist. The program, developed by French and Indian War 250, Inc., is being released as part of a number of initiatives to commemorate the war's 250th anniversary, including "The War That Made America," a new film to air on PBS stations January 18 and 25, 2006.

"Making history relevant is perhaps the most effective way to understand its importance," said Debbie Corll, project manager for French and Indian War 250, Inc. "By using an in-the-field perspective we hope to excite interest in this period in history among a variety of audiences, including teachers, students, history enthusiasts, tourists and others."

The reports come from Phineus Cobb, a fictional newspaper reporter, and are written in the style of the time with some adaptation to account for a wide variety of registrants' reading levels. Cobb is the creation of David Dixon, Ph.D., professor of American History, Slippery Rock University. Cobb's accounts themselves were written by Dr. Dixon to ensure not only historical accuracy, but also the integrity of the persona of Cobb and to give his accounts a believable and authentic feel.

To register for this innovative program, visit www.frenchandindianwar250.org and click on the embedded journalist icon on the homepage; then, once a week for the next eight weeks, a series of "field reports" will be sent directly to registrants' desktops via email. Presented in chronological order, these reports will cover several pivotal and poignant events that not only demonstrate the short-term effects they had in determining the course of the war, but also hint at the fact that without the events begun in 1754 near present day Pittsburgh, Pa., there would not have been the American Revolution in 1776.

For more information about the Embedded Journalist program and the numerous historic sites associated with the war, call (412) 281-4783 Ext. 3135 or visit www.frenchandindianwar250.org, which features an interactive map, destination planner, special events calendar, suggested trip packages and more to aid in planning visits to the historic sites.

French and Indian War 250, Inc., is spearheading the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War; the commemoration began in 2004 and continues throughout the decade. French and Indian War 250, Inc., is developing and coordinating programs and educational resources to raise awareness of this significant period in history. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., French and Indian War 250, Inc., is an initiative of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

Source: French and Indian War 250, Inc.

CONTACT: Paul O'Rourke, APR, of Pipitone Group, +1-412-321-0879, or
cellular, +1-412-327-1849, or porourke@pipitonegroup.com, for French and
Indian War 250, Inc.

Web site: http://www.frenchandindianwar250.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: High resolution images, backgrounder and journalist "bio" are available in the Pressroom at www.frenchandindianwar250.org. Interviews with Dr. Dixon, Debbie Corll and others can be arranged by contacting Paul O'Rourke at (412) 321-0879 or porourke@pipitonegroup.com.

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