News Summary
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has partnered with iCivics to create ‘Investigation Declaration,’ an online educational game for middle and high school students. This game, set to launch before the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, allows players to explore historical concepts surrounding freedom and democracy through interactive gameplay. By investigating the origins of corrupted files, students will engage with Enlightenment ideas and connect them to global freedom movements. The game aims to enrich civics education and is available at no cost.
Williamsburg, Virginia – The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has teamed up with iCivics to create an online educational game named “Investigation Declaration,” set to resonate with middle and high school students. This innovative game, launching just ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, seeks to engage young learners by immersing them in the historical context and ideologies that shaped the document pivotal to American history.
In “Investigation Declaration,” players take on the role of “Agent 6,” who must investigate the origins of corrupted files connected to freedom and democracy, as allegedly sourced from the fictional Bureau of Ideas. The game is designed to impart the Enlightenment ideas underpinning the Declaration of Independence while showcasing its influence on global freedom movements throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
The gameplay involves exploring significant historical locations—including Colonial Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Paris, Haiti, and Liberia—to uncover how concepts such as natural rights, state sovereignty, and the social contract evolved during that period. This educational tool aims to help students connect the principles articulated in the Declaration to broader global historical events.
The game integrates features reminiscent of both classic and contemporary titles, drawing inspiration from games like “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” and modern mystery games such as “Case of the Golden Idol” and “Return of the Obra Dinn.” This blend of gameplay complexity serves to attract a younger generation, allowing them to learn about civics in an interactive and engaging manner.
“Investigation Declaration” has already received recognition for its innovative design, being awarded the 2025 GEE! Award in the Formal Games category. The game exemplifies a successful combination of iCivics’ expertise in game development and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s strengths in historical research and education.
The underlying concept for the game is inspired by historian David Armitage’s 2007 work “The Declaration of Independence: A Global History.” This project emphasizes modern gaming strategies, contributing to its non-linear gameplay approach, which is anticipated to be more appealing to today’s players.
As a component of its educational framework, “Investigation Declaration” provides tools for teachers to monitor student engagement and performance. Educators can leverage the game in the classroom and participate in the Civic Star Challenge, allowing them to earn prizes while enriching their students’ learning experiences.
The game is accessible at no cost on the iCivics website, available in both English and Spanish, making it a resourceful option for classrooms aiming to enhance civics education. Comprehensive educator support materials accompany the game, ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources for effective implementation in their curricula.
With the launch of “Investigation Declaration,” the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and iCivics are not only commemorating the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence but also paving the way for a new generation of civics education, making history relevant and engaging for young learners.
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Additional Resources
- WYD Daily: CWF & iCivics Release Free Game
- Wikipedia: Declaration of Independence
- Blythewood Online: SLED Investigating BWS Admin
- Google Search: American history
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- Google Scholar: Freedom Movements 18th Century
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Declaration of Independence
- Google News: Civics Education
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
