William Howard Taft National Historical Site

On every July 4th, we watch fireworks and celebrate our independence, but how is the history of the American Revolution preserved? Four social studies lesson guide learners through different memorials, commemorative objects, and restored...

The murder of Emmett Till, the Selma to Montgomery march, and the desegregation of Boston schools are the focus of three units that ask class members to investigate why these events were so key in the struggle for civil rights. Groups...

Learners of any age examine the significance of historic sites, how we understand those sites, and what they mean in terms of history and the culture of the past. They look at maps, artifacts, and data taken from archaeological sites to...

Learners complete a variety of activities that go along with the study of and possible fieldtrip to the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA.

Students research the role that education, family values, and respect for civic duty played in forming the leadership skills of the Taft family. They list and examine jobs held by William Howard Taft before he became president.

Eighth graders conduct historical research on an early explorer of Canada. They read, observe and interpret historical maps and write an essay.

It’s no small challenge to try to locate modern sites on historic maps. But it is possible to determine how the purpose of a map influences its appearance. Introduce your class to map reading and analysis skills with an exercise that...

Why did many Tennesseeans support the 1925 Butler Act, which forbade the teaching of evolution? Using several primary source documents and a brief video clip, your young historians will draw connections between the broader historical...

Learners examine some early activities and circumstances of Franklin Roosevelt's life and demonstrate how those activities may have influenced his policies and decisions in public life. Structures in their own community created by the...

Students examine the early years of Harry Truman to determine how his upbringing influenced his character. His political career from county judge to president is explored and some of the decisions made as a politician, evaluated.