Presidents in Wartime, Part One

Description

Dr. Marc Selverstone, of the Miller Center of Public Affairs, UVA, examines the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief, particularly how presidential powers are exercised and defined in wartime. Selverstone focuses on presidents of the 20th century.

To listen to this lecture, select "Podcast Part 1" under the December 7th listing.

Teaching Lincoln with Political Cartoons of His Time

Description

Eighth grade American history educator Eric Langhorst discusses two books—The Political Cartoons of the Whispering Gallery by the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and The Lines are Drawn: Political Cartoons of the Civil War, edited by Kristen M. Smith—that he uses to give students an understanding that Abraham Lincoln was viewed in many different lights during his own time.

The Battle for Burnside Bridge, the Union Advance, Antietam National Battlefield

Description

This audio tour follows the opening attack on the Confederate right flank during the Battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. The focal point of the attack and the tour is the Burnside Bridge, one of the most famous Civil War landmarks. The Confederate defenders managed to hold out here for more than four hours against repeated Union assaults.

The Breakthrough at Petersburg, April 2, 1865, Pamplin Historical Park

Description

After more than nine months of trench warfare around Petersburg, VA, Union commander U.S. Grant ordered an all-out attack against Robert E. Lee's lines at dawn April 2, 1865. This audio tour of Pamplin Historical Park's Breakthrough Trail covers a critical area of that assault, and offers a good look at part of the well-preserved Confederate defensive line.

Devil's Den, Gettysburg

Description

The Union soldiers defending this pile of giant boulders just west of Little Round Top found themselves on the far left flank of the Federal line July 2, 1863. They were the first to take on Confederate Gen. James Longstreet's assault that day. This audio tour covers the fight for Devil's Den and the true story behind one of the Civil War's most famous photographs.

Enhancing Historical Biography Through Digital Storytelling

Description

Christy Keeler of Clark County School District, NV, discusses the creation and use of digital stories in history classrooms. She presents an example of digital storytelling, "At Lincoln's Hand"; and looks at how students can use primary sources and research combined with emotive narration, music, and sound effects to craft effective digital stories.