Students gain historical background on the Civil War era from textbooks, encyclopedias, or supplemental material. Assign at least two photographs for each student to analyze using the Photograph Analysis Worksheet which is imbedded in...

Third graders examine the life of the African American in the Pee Dee region during slavery.  In this slavery lesson, 3rd graders explore primary and secondary documents related to the topic and create a timeline of when slavery...

Learners examine primary documents related to the burning of Chambersburg during the Civil Way. In this Civil War era history lesson, students study numerous primary documents relating to the burning of the town of Chambersburg. Learners...

Eighth graders research the Post-Revolution to Pre-Civil War era by investigating the life and contributions of a notable person. They create silhouettes which are framed with timeline. Also, they add the research information to the...

Students analyze key components of a portrait and relate the elements to the historical context. In this activity students evaluate the "Emancipation Proclamation" and it's significance.

Learners use films to identify the characteristics of a good parent. In groups, they research the different types of parenting methods used during colonial times, the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. As a class, they develop...

Students are be able to analyze primary sources (photographs and speeches) and write a definition of American Democracy. They are shown a photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. by Ben Fernandez, students are asked what is happening in the...

Student learn about the historical significance and local history of Charlestown SC. Students begin with lectures, notes, coloring books and culminate with historical building visits.

Young scholars read slave narratives and retell the stories to the class, identifying sensory details. In this slavery lesson, students discuss the importance of sensory details, then read the slave narratives looking for specific...

Students use photographs to study the Bracero Labor Program. In this analyzing photographs lesson plan, students are broken up into groups and given a photograph of Bracero laborers. They predict the answers to questions about the photo...

This collection uses primary sources to explore blackface minstrelsy in modern America.

The Smithsonian presents a collection of sixty pieces of art from the Gilded Age period in America. Works are included by such artists as Sargent, Thayer, Bannister, Beaux, and others.