Bobblehead George's Virtual Field Trips Bring History to Life

The York County nonprofit has created virtual field trips since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to explore history across the country.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:52am

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A blurred, impressionistic scene of a classroom, with a bobblehead of George Washington visible in the foreground, capturing the educational and nostalgic mood of the Bobblehead George virtual field trip project.The Bobblehead George virtual field trips have brought history to life for students across the country, sparking their curiosity and desire to explore the past.York Today

When the COVID-19 pandemic canceled their 8th grade field trip to Gettysburg, three Northeastern Middle School teachers in York, Pennsylvania created a nonprofit called Bobblehead George to film virtual field trips. The group has since expanded to cover historic sites across the country, from the state Capitol to the homes of former presidents, and their videos are now used in classrooms in all 50 states.

Why it matters

The Bobblehead George virtual field trips have enabled teachers to more effectively engage students with history during the pandemic and beyond, using interactive video content that appeals to modern students' viewing habits. The project has also sparked student interest in exploring historic sites themselves.

The details

David Raymond, Eric Gimbi, and Michael Graham are the three teachers behind Bobblehead George. Raymond's son films and edits the videos. The group started by filming a virtual Gettysburg trip for their own students, then expanded to partner with the York History Center and historic sites like George Washington's Mount Vernon. They've now traveled as far as Tennessee to create content.

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the group's 8th grade Gettysburg field trip was canceled.
  • In 2021, the group's videos caught the attention of George Washington's Mount Vernon, which opened doors for further expansion.
  • The group continues to create new virtual field trip content, which is now used in classrooms across all 50 states.

The players

David Raymond

One of the three Northeastern Middle School teachers who founded the Bobblehead George nonprofit.

Eric Gimbi

One of the three Northeastern Middle School teachers who founded the Bobblehead George nonprofit.

Michael Graham

One of the three Northeastern Middle School teachers who founded the Bobblehead George nonprofit.

Bobblehead George

The nonprofit organization founded by the three Northeastern Middle School teachers to create virtual field trips covering historic sites across the country.

York History Center

The organization that first took notice of the Bobblehead George virtual field trip videos.

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What they’re saying

“During COVID, obviously, our 8th grade field trip to Gettysburg got canceled. So, we got permission from our principal to go to Gettysburg, film a virtual video for our students.”

— David Raymond, Northeastern Middle School teacher

“It's something that enables us to more effectively reach our students. So, you know, the days of just wheeling in a TV and popping in a VHS are over. These kids are used to watching videos and you know, one-minute-long clips.”

— Eric Gimbi, Northeastern Middle School teacher

“Our videos have been used in classrooms in all 50 states. I can see that on that, I can see like 'oh jeez, some teacher is using our stuff in Alabama today', because there's a huge spike right there.”

— David Raymond, Northeastern Middle School teacher

What’s next

The group plans to continue creating new virtual field trip content and expanding the reach of their videos to classrooms across the country. The support they receive during the upcoming Give Local York fundraiser will help them travel to more historic sites and produce additional educational content.

The takeaway

The Bobblehead George virtual field trips have found innovative ways to bring history to life for students, especially during the challenges of the pandemic, by leveraging engaging video content that sparks student interest and exploration of the past.