Embedded Journalist Program Expanded to Bring More of French and Indian War to Life

17 colorful historical accounts by "Phineus Cobb," embedded journalist with the Pennsylvania Gazette 


PITTSBURGH, Sept. 13  /PRNewswire/ -- A newly expanded Embedded Journalist program launched today, which will feature new and exciting reports on the French and Indian War from a fictitious 18th Century reporter 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 four-hour dramatic documentary that premiered nationally on PBS stations earlier this year.

"I look forward to receiving accounts from the front by Phineus Cobb," said Jim Wetzler, Program Facilitator, Pennsylvania Educational Alliance. "I have teachers in my workshop elaborate on the embedded journalist's report by exploring what led up to the event and what we may expect to happen next.  The program offers a number of exciting activities and in the process you learn about the French and Indian War."

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 registrant reading levels. Cobb is the creation of David Dixon, PhD, professor of American History, Slippery Rock University. Cobb's accounts themselves were written by 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.

"Our original Embedded Journalist program was so well-received we decided to add new accounts to infuse even more history and energy into the program," said Debbie Corll, project manager for French and Indian War 250, Inc. "Our aim is to engage people's interest in this critical time in our country's history and the embedded journalist concept makes it relevant to them, it helps them connect. We're proud to have been able to generate excitement around this influential period of history."

To register for this innovative program, visit http://www.frenchandindianwar250.org/ and click on the Embedded Journalist icon on the home page. Then, once a week for the next 17 weeks, a series of "field reports" will be sent to registrants via email.  Presented in chronological order, these reports will cover several pivotal and poignant events that demonstrate not only 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, visit http://www.frenchandindianwar250.org/, or call 412-281-4783 ext. 3135.

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. 

DATASOURCE: French and Indian War 250, Inc.



CONTACT:  Paul O'Rourke, APR, , or Brooke

Werner, , both of Pipitone Group, [phone],

for French and Indian War 250, Inc.



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

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