Lincoln on the Big Screen
How do historians think about films like Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln? Take a look with Teachinghistory.org!
Film Review: Iron Jawed Angels
How does modern television portray early 20th-century suffragists? Through very modern eyes, says Historian Carla Bittel.
Film Review: Pearl Harbor and U-571
When does a historical film go from “based on historical events” to total fiction? Historian Lawrence Suid critiques two war movies.
iMovie/Movie Maker
Produce digital documentaries with iMovie for Mac and Windows Movie Maker for PCs.
Film Review: The Alamo
Remember the Alamo! But what does the U.S. remember? Historical fact or historical mythology? Historian Stanley Corkin looks at the film The Alamo.
Film Review: Gods and Generals
What view of the Civil War does Gods and Generals present? Historian Steven E. Woodworth critiques the film.
Film Review: The Aviator
Historical films like The Aviator sacrifice historical context to create character portraits, says historian David Courtwright.
Film Review: Ken Burns's Jazz
Documentaries can be critiqued on many levels, says Professor Frank Tirro. Here, he looks at Ken Burns’s Jazz from four angles.
Amy Trenkle on National History Day—It's More than Just a Day…and It's More than Just History
National History Day’s categories encourage students to develop 21st-century skills—but 8th-grade teacher Amy Trenkle says make sure they don’t neglect the history!
The Conspirator in the Classroom
With the new film, The Conspirator, out in theaters, here are a few resources to help you explore the story of Mary Surratt and America’s first presidential assassination.
Film Review: Titanic
Are historical films like James Cameron’s Titanic most useful as ways to interest students in history—or as primary sources for the present day?
Classroom Glory
Does the movie “Glory” depict historical accuracy or wholesale fiction?
Summer Reading: Clearinghouse Staff Recommendations, Part II
A graphic novel, maritime history, film, and a political thriller top the list!
Performing Arts in America, 1875-1923
Browse primary sources reflecting the performing arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
American Variety Stage: Vaudeville and Popular Entertainment, 1870-1920
Follows the development of popular entertainment forms from the 1870s to the 1920s, through playscripts, playbills, and media clips.
America at Work, America at Leisure: Motion Pictures from 1894-1915
Collects 150 1894–1915 motion pictures on work, school, and leisure activities.
Inventing Entertainment: The Early Innovations of the Edison Companies
Early motion pictures, sound recordings, and related materials document Thomas Edison’s impact on the history of American entertainment.
Thomas A. Edison Papers
A vast database of Thomas Edison’s papers, including correspondence, technical drawings, and clippings about the inventor.
The Wizard of Oz: An American Fairy Tale
We’re off to see the wizard! Discover the cultural impact of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Alexander Street Press
Databases of digitized firsthand accounts and literary works document periods in American history, the experiences of minorities, and other topics.
Do History: Martha Ballard's Diary Online
Explore the diary of midwife Martha Ballard and the creation of two modern historical studies based on the diary.