Historian Tom Belton guides viewers through the North Carolina Museum of History exhibit "North Carolina and the Civil War." Progressing through the war chronologically, Belton describes both military and civilian life in North Carolina during the war, briefly highlighting several of the major battles in which North Carolina was involved. This presentation is divided into 31 short subchapters, which can be accessed separately.

Professor Clarence Walker discusses the origins of the institution of slavery in North America and what would become the United States. He looks back in history at different forms of slavery beyond North America and at how they differ and are similar to the North American and U.S. institution.

Professor Clarence Walker details the 1857 U.S. Supreme Court case Dred Scott v. Sandford, in which the Court ruled that individuals of African descent could not be U.S. citizens and that the federal government could not prohibit slavery in the territories. He examines the significance of this case in U.S. history and also previous racist rulings in the U.S.

Professor Shirley Moore details the stories of several African-American women in the West in the 1800s and early 1900s, including abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant (?-1904) and nurse and businesswoman Bridget "Biddy" Mason (1818-1891). Moore looks at the history of African Americans in the West more generally, as well.

Professor David Henkin explores Antebellum views on slavery, both in opposition to it and in favor of it. He also examines modern perceptions of slavery in history.

Professor Clarence Walker looks at the possible relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemmings and how it can be interpreted and used to suggest an alternative racial origin of the United States—that is, an origin that was multiracial instead of mono-racial.

Professor Kevin Adams reviews the life of Abraham Lincoln, considering the contradictions of his decisions and views on race and in politics. Adams looks at how these contradictions reflected and fit into the context of Lincoln's times.

Professor Jennifer Spear reviews the life of free black woman Jacqueline Lemelle in 18th-century New Orleans. Spear uses Lemelle's life as a frame to discuss 18th-century race relations and 18th-century New Orleans.

Professor Salvatore Nick reviews the life of C.L. Franklin (1915-1984), African-American Baptist preacher and civil rights activist. Nick looks particularly at the greater social context within which Franklin spoke and worked—that is, the daily experiences of the African American communities to which he spoke and which he spoke for.

Professor Clarence Walker reviews the life of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, drawing on Douglass's first autobiography.