Virginia History Series
Virginia History Series: The American Civil War in Virginia [Pdf]
The state of Virginia played a pivotal role in the Civil War. Trace the war from the beginning to the battles in Virginia, and to Lee's surrender through this comprehensive slideshow. Included are charts, maps and actual photography from...
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Compromise of 1850
From a chapter on " Troubled Times: the Tumultuous 1850s," this section explains the contested issues that led to the Compromise of 1850 and describes and analyzes the reactions to the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Mariners' Museum: Waters of Despair, Waters of Hope
Find out about how Africans and their descendents have shaped the history, culture, and economy of the Chesapeake Bay Region.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Aboard the Underground Railroad
Learn about the fascinating people and places associated with the Underground Railroad as you visit the historic places on this travel register. Use the map or peruse the sites to find interesting facts and information.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: Free Blacks in Antebellum Period
A site that chronicles through documents the accomplishments of African-Americans, both slave and free, from colonial times through the Civil War.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Society: The Underground Railroad in Wisconsin
While the Underground Railroad was active in Wisconsin in the 1800s, its activities were of necessity kept secret, so little documentation has survived. A few cases became matters of public record, however, most notably those of Caroline...
Other
Core Knowledge: Poetry in Motion [Pdf]
Collection in pdf format of seven lessons integrating poetry across-the-curriculum. Includes dramatization, developing poetry reading skills, and creating poetry appreciation. Printable graphic organizers and a fine bibliography...
Curated OER
National Park Service: National Underground Railroad: Network to Freedom
The National Park System has preserved many buildings that were used as Underground Railroad stations. See the sites as they stand today and learn about the network that existed.
White Pine Pictures
White Pine Pictures: Breaking the Ice: The Mary Ann Shadd Story
Mary Ann Shadd was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1823. She emigrated to Windsor, Upper Canada and was a leader in advocating for integrated schools at a time when most Canadians believed segregated schools should predominate. This web...
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: The Drinking Gourd
After learning the song Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winters, students will use the Underground Railroad to identify with some goal or task in their own life.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Underground Railroad: The Journey
Interactive resource in which students choose their fate by making their own decisions as they travel the Underground Railroad.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Underground Railroad
A brief look at the Underground Railroad and how it operated. Find some of the code words used to help runaway slaves find their way, and read about some of the "conductors" who led slaves along the routes to the North.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media: The Underground Railroad: In the Ohio River Valley
Review of an online interactive learning game about the Underground Railroad. The game can be found at: https://sites.google.com/site/undergroundrailroadgame/.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 19: Runaway Slaves
The Underground Railroad was a significant part of American History. It served as a lifeline to hundreds of slaves who risked their lives to escape the horrors of bondage. Through readings of primary sources and listening to music,...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry
Selected (9) reading passages (grades 5-11) to pair with "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry. Number the Stars is historical fiction set during WWII in Nazi occupied Denmark. 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen risks her life to help the Rosens,...
Success Link
Success Link: Civil War 1861 1865
An eight-lesson unit on the Civil War using Patricia Beatty's young adult novel, Charley Skedaddle, as the unifying text. Geared mainly for middle school, but certainly has good information for high school students as well.
Other
Pa Roots: Pennsylvania in the Civil War
Background information about Pennsylvania's involvement in the Civil War. This website describes briefly the impact Pennsylvania provided to the union forces during the war.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: Underground Railroad
On this site, students explore the Underground Railroad. Learn how this was a way for slaves to escape from the South and into free northern states and Canada.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Quiz: Underground Railroad for Kids
History Questions: Underground Railroad Quiz, Test, and WebQuest
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Road to Freedom
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart takes students on a virtual trip on the Underground Railroad and introduces them to some important people who acted as conductors. It discusses how quilts were created with secret codes...
Chase Young, PhD
Dr. Chase Young, Ph D: Reader's Theater Script: Henry's Freedom Box
Improve students' reading fluency while providing fun and purposeful practice and performance through Reader's Theater Scripts. The focus is on reading the text with expressive voices and gestures - no memorization required! Have fun...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Biography: Harriet Tubman for Kids
Kids learn about the biography of Harriet Tubman, the leader in the Underground Railroad who led many slaves to freedom on this website.
Social Studies for Kids
Social Studies for Kids: Josiah Henson: Model for Uncle
Read the story of the man who was the inspiration for Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Other
House Divided Project: Letters and Diaries: Thomas Garrett to William Still #3
Transcript of an original letter written from Thomas Garrett to fellow abolitionist William Still regarding particular routes of the Underground Railroad.