In this lesson students will be exposed to the cultural and artistic …
In this lesson students will be exposed to the cultural and artistic importance of wampum belts to the Native American tribes that George Catlin encountered on his travels, and the importance of the belts in American history as markers of relations between tribes and the U.S. Government between 1776 and 1878. Students will gain insight into the differing ways in which these cultures expressed ideas, values, and policy through objects, written documents, and oral traditions.
When most people think of the civil rights movement, they think of …
When most people think of the civil rights movement, they think of Martin Luther King, Jr., whose "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize the following year. Malcolm X's embrace of black separatism, however, shifted the debate over how to achieve freedom and equality by laying the groundwork for the Black Power movement of the late sixties.
Archeology offers the most tangible evidence of earlier civilizations. Although archeology has …
Archeology offers the most tangible evidence of earlier civilizations. Although archeology has already provided invaluable information pertaining to the life styles and skills of the peoples from this region of West Africa, the archaeological record is still incomplete. The figurative sculptures featured in this resource furnish one part of the historical puzzle of this region. These handsome terracotta sculptures are from the Inland Niger Delta region near Djenne (pronounced JEH-nay; also spelled Jenne), one of several important trading cities that grew and developed during the Mali Empire.
This collection uses primary sources to explore the idea of Manifest Destiny …
This collection uses primary sources to explore the idea of Manifest Destiny and its influence. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.
What were the causes and effects of westward expansion between 1844 and …
What were the causes and effects of westward expansion between 1844 and 1877? Kim discusses how economic opportunities, government support, and the idea of 'manifest destiny' brought migrants to the western United States.
Canals, railroads, steamboats, telegraphs! Kim talks about the transportation and communication revolutions …
Canals, railroads, steamboats, telegraphs! Kim talks about the transportation and communication revolutions of the early 19th century and how they changed American business.
The Market Revolution of the early nineteenth century changed the way Americans …
The Market Revolution of the early nineteenth century changed the way Americans worked and did business. In this video, Kim discusses the inventions that brought new productivity and forms of work to American business - the Industrial Revolution.
This lesson introduces students to the philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings …
This lesson introduces students to the philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi that influenced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s views. After considering the political impact of this philosophy, students explore its relevance to personal life and contemporary society.
Students will display their understanding of the symbolism and references that Dr. …
Students will display their understanding of the symbolism and references that Dr. King used to enrich his famous speech on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial by constructing a "jackdaw," a collection of documents and objects.
Students examine Martin Puryear's "Ladder for Booker T. Washington" and consider how …
Students examine Martin Puryear's "Ladder for Booker T. Washington" and consider how the title of Puryear's sculpture is reflected in the meanings we can draw from it. They learn about Booker T. Washington's life and legacy, and through Puryear's ladder, students explore the African American experience from Booker T.'s perspective and apply their knowledge to other groups in U.S. History. They also gain understanding of how a ladder can be a metaphor for a person's and a group's progress toward goals.
This photograph of a sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune by Selma Hortense …
This photograph of a sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune by Selma Hortense Burke is part of Harmon Foundation Collection. The Harmon Foundation, a nonprofit, private foundation active from 1922 to 1967, helped foster an awareness of African art. African artists would send their artworks to the United States for exhibit and sale. When the foundation ended its activities in 1967, it donated its entire collection of motion pictures, filmstrips, color slides, and black and white prints and negatives on a variety of subjects to the National Archives. Selma Hortense Burke (b. December 31, 1900, Mooresville, North Carolina - d. August 29, 1995, New Hope, Pennsylvania) was an American sculptor, educator, and member of the Harlem Renaissance movement. Burke created many pieces of public art, often portraits of prominent African-American figures like Duke Ellington, Mary McLeod Bethune and Booker T. Washington. She received national recognition for her relief portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which was the model for his image on the dime. In 1979, Burke was awarded the Women's Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award.Learn more on our main National Archives website.
This photograph is from series is a collection of black-and-white and color …
This photograph is from series is a collection of black-and-white and color photographs of a set of oil paintings "Portraits of Outstanding Americans of Negro Origin" commissioned by the Harmon Foundation. The set originally comprised 22 portraits painted by Betsy Graves Reyneau and Laura Wheeler Waring. Overtime the number of paintings increased to 47.The Harmon Foundation, a nonprofit, private foundation active from 1922 to 1967, helped foster an awareness of African art. African artists would send their artworks to the United States for exhibit and sale. When the foundation ended its activities in 1967, it donated its entire collection of motion pictures, filmstrips, color slides, and black and white prints and negatives on a variety of subjects to the National Archives. Betsy Graves Reyneau (1888-1964) studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts shortly before World War I. She continued her studies in Cincinnati, Ohio; Paris, France and Rome, Italy. Following her studies, Reyneau maintained a studio in Detroit, MI for a number of years. Then in 1927, she moved permanently to Europe, only to leave 12 years later due to the rise of fascism.Returning to the United States, Reyneau was shocked by the overt racism that existed in the 1930s. She decided that by using her skills as a portrait painter she could do something that would make a difference in the country's perception of African Americans. Reyneau's determination eventually resulted in a set of portraits commissioned by the Harmon Foundation. The individuals chosen were prominent African Americans who had distinguished themselves by their service to humankind.Learn more on the National Archives website.
The original caption for this photograph reads: "Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and others …
The original caption for this photograph reads: "Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and others at the opening of Midway Hall, one of two residence halls built by the Public Buildings Administration of FWA for Negro government girls."As a presidential advisor of African American Affairs during the Roosevelt administration, Mary McLeod Bethune formed the Federal Council of Negro Affairs, which would become known as the Black Cabinet. The Black Cabinet was instrumental in creating jobs for African Americans in Federal executive departments and New Deal agencies.Bethune’s influence within the Roosevelt administration also allowed her to direct funds created by the New Deal program to Black people. Programs such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and National Youth Administration (NYA) were successful in employing over 300,000 African Americans during the Great Depression.The original caption for this photograph uses the term "negro" to refer to Black people, which was commonly accepted in that era, but is outdated and inappropriate today.
In this lesson, students will explore the biography of Mary McLeod Bethune …
In this lesson, students will explore the biography of Mary McLeod Bethune and primary resources related to her life in order to understand the impact she had on other people, and how her example of integrity and principle can affect their own lives today.
The focus of this lesson is the Robert Gould Shaw and the …
The focus of this lesson is the Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Students will put themselves in the shoes of the men of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment as they read, write, pose, and then create a comic strip about these American heroes.
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