Hi, what do you want to do?
Digital History
Digital History: Haymarket Square Riot
A description of the Haymarket Square riot and its cause. Find quotes from the Chicago Tribune which called the protesters insurrectionists, and two Illinois governors who doubted the guilt of those rounded up, charged, and convicted of...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Lincoln Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858 exemplified the rift in the nation concerning the issue of slavery and who should be able to determine whether states were free or slave. Read about this war of ideas that moved from the stage in...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Trail of Tears: The Indian Removals
The Cherokee were not the only Native Americans affected by the Indian Removal Policy. Read about the Sac and Fox Indians in Illinois, and the Seminole in Florida. In addition, read about the many attempts, including a law suit filed by...
Other
Chicago Historical Society
A rich source of historical information on Chicago. Search through entries, historical sources, maps, and special features.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
National Park Services presents the general information, history, culture, science and nature of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
In addition to information about the museum, its exhibits and programs, the site offers much to those arts and humanities teachers exploring online. Teacher and student resources are described and can be purchased and downloaded at the...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: The Real Dirt on Farmer John: Family Farms in America
Trace the evolution in American agriculture with this interactive timeline. Learn how the history of one small Illinois farm reflects the larger changes, decade by decade.
Other
Illinois Labor History Society: When Women Were Knights
This article discusses women's roles in the Knights of Labor.
Other
Illinois Department of Natural Reserve: Prophetstown History
This resource provides background historical information of the creation of Prophetstown.
Other
Joseph Smith's History Vault: Mormons in Illinois
From the 1850 and 1852 series of articles in the magazine, "American Whig Review," you can read about Mormonism and the Mormons in Illinois.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Beginning in Illinois in 1846 Brigham Young led a large group of Mormoms to Salt Lake City to avoid persecution. The trail they followed is now known as the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. National Park Services provides the...
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Politics and Sectionalism: Kansas Nebraska Act
Discusses what led up to the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, and the role Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas played in developing it.
Other
Coles County History: World War I on the Homefront of Coles County
An overview of one county in Illinois as it prepared for World War I.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Series and Parallel Circuits
A teacher lesson plan which could be easily converted into an idea for a student project or presentation. Ideal for pre-high school students. This page describes an activity in which the history of electric circuits, the nature of...
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Mormonism
This article on the Mormonism provides information on the religion's founder (Joseph Smith), holy book, (the "Book of Mormon"), and basic tenets. Also included is a history of Mormonism and the Mormon people, including an overview of the...
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo: Barn Owl
An excellent account of the Common Barn Owl. This site provides information on the owl's description, status, habitat, niche, life history, as well as facts on special adaptations they have acquired.
Northern Illinois University
Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project: Teacher's Parlor
A collection of lesson plans centered around President Abraham Lincoln that helps students understand some important events in America's history. The purpose of the page is present some major themes in American history from mid...
Curated OER
Illinois State Flag
Offers comprehensive information regarding Illinois history, famous people, cities, geography, state parks, tourism, and historic sites. A fact sheet of information and a quiz are also available.
Cayuse Canyon
The Us50
This clickable map of the United States gives students access to research information from history and tourism to attractions and famous historic figures.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Carthage (Joseph Smith Murder) Trial (1845)
One of the most consequential crimes in American history occurred on a summer day in 1844 when a mob stormed a jail in Carthage, Illinois and murdered Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum. The killing of Joseph Smith, the charismatic...
Other
Indingenous History: An Outline of Kaskaskia History
The Kaskaskia people were one of the primary tribes of the Inoka (Illinois) Confederacy of the 1600s and onwards. They were one of the Algonquian peoples attacked by the Haudenosaunee in the 1600s Beaver Wars, forcing them to take refuge...
Other
Pioneer Story: The Mormon Pioneer Trail
This site has everything you need to know about the Mormon Pioneer Trail. Read about the stops along the 1,300-mile trail from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley and get personal accounts of what happened to the Mormons on...
Read Works
Read Works: Honest Abe's Museum
[Free Registration/Login Required] A museum curator tells visitors about the life of Abraham Lincoln. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
American Rhetoric
American Rhetoric: Adlai Stevenson: Accepting Democratic Presidential Nomination
This is the CSPAN video of Adlai Stevenson's acceptance of the 1952 Democratic Presidential nomination speech which was delivered on July 26, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois.