"Light From the North": Joseph Kinmont Hart and Danish Folk Schools

• In Event: 49.054 - Research Stages in Historical and Biographical Inquiry

Abstract

In the spring of 1925, Hart ventured to Europe for a long-planned study and lecture trip. He wished to explore educational problems in a non-American setting. Hart spent the summer in Denmark studying the rural folk schools and he experienced a renewal and affirmation of his life’s work. Hart’s work with the Danish folk schools revived his faith and hope for education reform in America. Hart turned his disillusionment toward a reinterpretation of his earlier educational work. Denmark was proof in practice that a return to community education could work. The humane community indeed offered healthful and integrating educational influences.

Author

• Deron R. Boyles, Georgia State University