CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced Thursday the U.S. Department of Education awarded nearly $1 million to West Virginia's Regional Education Service Agency for the Teaching American History Grants Program.

Byrd created the program in 2001 to increase appreciation of American history and "make sure that American history was taught as a separate course of study, rather than as part of the broader social studies curriculum."

The new funds will help local schools, libraries, museums and nonprofit groups develop local history programs, especially in poorer areas of the Mountain State.

"Students will become more aware of and in touch with the U.S. Constitution, the Civil War and other important relics and moments of our history," Byrd said.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced Thursday the U.S. Department of Education awarded nearly $1 million to West Virginia's Regional Education Service Agency for the Teaching American History Grants Program.

Byrd created the program in 2001 to increase appreciation of American history and "make sure that American history was taught as a separate course of study, rather than as part of the broader social studies curriculum."

The new funds will help local schools, libraries, museums and nonprofit groups develop local history programs, especially in poorer areas of the Mountain State.

"Students will become more aware of and in touch with the U.S. Constitution, the Civil War and other important relics and moments of our history," Byrd said.