Library of Congress
Loc: America as a Religious Refuge
One of the primary reasons for colonization of the New World was to escape European religious persecution. This site provides stories of religious nonconformists, militants, zealots, reformers, and the faithful.
Other
American Jewish Historical Society: Timeline of American Soviet Jewry Movement
In the late 1800's and most of the 1900's countries made many efforts to help Jews in the Soviet Union gain freedom to practice their faith. Countries such as the United States and Israel offered exile to many Jews to escape the...
Claremont Institute
Founding.com: Calvin Coolidge
Two speeches given by Calvin Coolidge. The first was in 1924 on the topic of religious freedom. The second was in 1926 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Religion and American Life
An evolving section, Religion and American Life, will address the roles of immigration and religious freedom in the United States paving a long and open road of religous traditions, literature and artwork.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Religion and American Law
The establishment of the new nation introduced the first nation to not be sanctioned with one specific religion. The United States founders, instead, asked that religion and government be separated. Review the history of the relationship...
Other
The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
The Pluralism Project addresses and educates people about religious diversity. Discover all about the variety of religions practiced in the United States, data from research, videos, articles, and many more resources.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Religion
The site provides a detailed overview of role religion played in the lives of the colonists. Content explores how religion played a part in the Revolution, and the statute for religious freedom, as well as providing a lesson plan, a link...
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: 2016 Report on International Religious Freedom: Tajikistan
A 2016 Department of State report examining religious freedom in Tajikistan.
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: Afghanistan: International Religious Freedom Report
Essay on the status of religious freedom in Afghanistan as of 2001. The repression practiced by the Taliban is described in detail. A note at the end explains that the most up-to-date information is not available as there has been no...
Other
Religious Society of Friends: Willliam Penn: First Great Champion for Liberty
Abridged biography of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania responsible for establishing the notion of freedom of conscience in America.
Ancestry
Notable Women Ancestors: Mary Barrett Dyer
Very detailed biography of Mary Dyer, a Quaker who was hanged for her faith in 1660.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Religious Freedom and the Affordable Healthcare Act
Summary, resources, and activities addressing the constitutionality with regard to the first amendment which surfaced with the Affordable Healthcare Act.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Religion in America: 25 Core Documents
A collection of 25 primary documents traces some of the central themes in the long, complex story of religion and politics in American history. Investigate the documents to comprehend religion and its relationship to American life.
PBS
Pbs: God in America
Site has much to offer on the topic of the 400-year history of religion and public life in America. At this point in time the full videos are available to watch for free. Topics include: American Scripture, God in the White House, Sacred...
Association of Religion Data Archives
Association of Religion Data Archives: National Profiles: Palestine
Learn about religion in the Israeli Occupied Territories (Palestine), in this Association of Religion Data Archives country profile; includes general facts, history, and religious data.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Anne Hutchinson (Spanish)
A review of the events in the life of Anne Hutchinson, a brave, early American settler. Learn how Anne Hutchinson felt about religion and the way people should worship God. (In Spanish)
University of California
History Project: The Antinomian Controversy
Using ten primary source documents, high school students will write a 2 1/2 page interpretive history of Puritan Society focusing on the antinomian controversy in Massachusetts.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Freedom to Worship (Lesson Plan)
A lesson plan designed to investigate the conditions and difficulties facing immigrants who have sought religious freedom in the United States throughout history. Requires viewing of select segments from "Destination America," the...
Other
Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Liberty on the Anvil
William Penn's Charter of Privileges, which formed the framework for the government of Pennsylvania, is still a living document today. Read about its history and its influence on the Liberty Bell.
Other
State Museum of Pennsylvania: The William Penn Treaty Collection
An online exhibit featuring a collection of historical articles and pictorial images from the founding of Pennsylvania.
Other
Sites Alive: Comparison of American Colonies
Lesson plan focuses on comparing and contrasting the unique characteristics of the original thirteen American colonies.
Other
Freedom Forum: Finding Common Ground Religious Liberty in Public Schools [Pdf]
A lengthy report on the issue of religious liberty and the public schools. Issues explored are religious holidays, a teacher's guide to the teaching of religion, and much more. The report is in PDF format.
Quia
Quia: The Thirteen Colonies Quiz
Take this 15-question, multiple-choice quiz to test your knowledge of the Thirteen Colonies.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Anniversary of September 11 Highlights Attitude Toward Islam
Two controversies surround an anniversary of the September 11 attacks: plans to burn a Koran and plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero. These instances can serve as examples in the debate over religious freedom and religious tolerance...