Picturing America Program Unveiled at White House

Mon 31 2008

The National Endowment for the Humanites recently launched Picturing America at the White House. The initiative offers 40 images of American art for use in social studies and history classrooms to K-12 schools and public libraries. Educational materials include an illustrated, 119-page teachers resource book as well as the web site containing additional information and lesson plans.

Images range from early North American archaeological artifacts to contemporary work and illustrate key eras and events in American history. Grant Wood, Normal Rockwell, Gilbert Stuart, Winslow Homer, George Catlin, and N.C. Wyeth are among featured artists. The 20 two-sided laminated posters are free and do not have to be returned. To apply to get these materials you have to represent a US school or library and complete an application on-line.

Applications are due by April 15, 2008. The press release of the White House launch summarizes the program. Further information and application procedures appear on the Picturing America website.

About the Author

Lee Ann Ghajar is a digital history associate in Public Projects at CHNM and a PhD candidate in American history at George Mason University.