Teaching it well requires more than a textbook. It calls for careful study of primary sources, thoughtful discussion, and guidance from someone trained to interpret complex events and ideas. At Royal Fireworks Online Learning, we know that learning with an experienced historian gives students that depth and clarity while giving parents confidence that the material is being explored with rigor and balance.

Dr. Steve Cox earned his Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of New Hampshire and has taught at universities and military bases across the nation. He has also served as Senior Historian at Conner Prairie and as a vice president of the Indiana Historical Society, overseeing collections, conservation, publications, and public programs. With decades of experience in both higher education and public history, Dr. Cox brings scholarly depth and narrative clarity to his students, whether they’re studying the history of the nation, their community, or even their own family.

Dr. Cox is offering a fascinating range of courses both this summer and in the 2026-2027 school year.

When Politics Became Bitter: America from 1790 to 1815
Student Ages: 13–18
Class Meetings: Mondays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: June 1 – July 27
Cost: $300
Course Highlights:
– Explore the origins of political division in the early United States.
– Compare the competing visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton that led to the formation of political parties.
– Examine key figures, including George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison.
– Analyze primary sources and first-person historical accounts.
– Understand the events leading to the War of 1812.

The Civil War
Student Ages: 12–18
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: June 3 – July 29
Cost: $300
Course Highlights:
– Examine major battles and turning points of the American Civil War.
– Study influential leaders and personalities from both sides.
– Understand the key causes of the conflict and reasons for its outcome.
– Follow the progression of the war from beginning to end.
– Engage with historical sources to deepen understanding.

American History: From Settlement to the Present
Student Ages: 12–18
Class Meetings: Mondays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: August 17 – December 14, 2026; January 11 – May 10, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 full year
Course Highlights:
– Fall semester spans American settlement through the Civil War.
– Spring semester covers Reconstruction to the present.
– Explore diverse populations, political development, the advent of industry, reform movements, and global engagement.
– Engage with original documents and short secondary readings.
– Complete brief writing assignments on self-selected topics.

American Local History
Student Ages: 14–18
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, every other week
Dates: August 20 – December 10, 2026; January 14 – May 6, 2027
Cost: $475 per semester/$900 full year
Course Highlights:
– Explore methods and sources for writing local history.
– Receive personal guidance in selecting and researching a local topic.
– Discover the benefits of primary source investigation.
– Create a culminating final project or paper.

Family History
Student Ages: 11–18
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, every other week
Dates: August 27 – December 17, 2026; January 21 – May 13, 2027
Cost: $475 per semester/$900 full year
Course Highlights:
– Use census data, newspapers, interviews, and family artifacts to discover your family’s history.
– Connect personal family stories to larger historical events.
– Enjoy a highly individualized research experience.
– Create a final paper or project that tells the unique story of your family history.

Dr. Cox also offers individual instruction in American history, enabling students to dig deeper into a specific topic of their choosing.

Installment Pay Option: We offer installment payment plans at no additional cost. For more information and to enroll, visit the Online Learning page.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance in selecting a course, feel free to call us at (845) 726-4444. We’re here to help! Our phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Happy learning!
The Royal Fireworks Team