Castillo de San Marcos National Monument [FL]

Description

The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument contains the original Castillo de San Marcos, a fortification built by the Spanish to defend their position in America. It is the only remaining 17th-century fort in North America. The star-shaped "bastion system" of the architecture was an adaptation to cannon warfare. The monument presents the story of several groups involved in the fort's history, including the Timucuan, the Seminole, the Apache, Spaniards, African Americans, Englishmen, Frenchmen, Minorcans, and U.S. citizens. Interpreters in period dress discuss life in the fort.

The monument offers a 25-minute introductory film, exhibits, self-guided fortification tours, interpretive talks, re-enactors, weaponry demonstrations, Junior Ranger programs, and a green suitable for picnics. The upper gun deck is not wheelchair accessible. Tour brochures are available in English, Spanish, German, Japanese, French, Italian, Dutch, and Russian. The website offers historical photographs, vocabulary, a map study, and other educational materials.

Hot Springs National Park [AR]

Description

The Hot Springs National Park preserves the history surrounding Hot Springs, Arkansas. The area has been a destination for individuals of all classes seeking relaxation and revitalization of health for more than 200 years. Sights include the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, in operation between 1915 and 1962, and the springs themselves.

The park offers a 15-minute introductory film, guided tours, guided tours for students, self-guided tours, traveling trunks, Junior Ranger activities, scenic mountain roads, a 9-minute film depicting the traditional bath routine, the opportunity to take a bath in the hot springs, 26 miles of trails, and picnic sites. The NPS warns that many sites in the area claim to be the Hot Springs National Park but are not. When hiking, visitors are asked to remain on the trails. Group tours require at least two weeks advance notice. Architectural models are available for visually impaired visitors. An American Sign Language interpreter can be on site for tours if requested at the time tour reservations are made. The website offers lesson plans.

Homestead National Monument of America [NE]

Description

The Homestead National Monument of America addresses the impact of the Homestead Act of 1862 on agriculture, Native Americans, national land policy, the prairies, industrialization, and immigration. Sights include the 1872 one-room Freeman School, Heritage Center, Education Center, 1867 Palmer Epard Cabin, and restored tallgrass prairie. The cabin presents post-Civil War homestead life. The Freeman School has been restored to an 1870s appearance. Under the Homestead Act, anyone 21 or over and/or the head of a household could claim 160 acres of previously federally owned land as their own private property.

The monument offers an introductory film, interactive exhibits, Freeman School guided tours, trails, curriculum-based programs for students, Scout programs, interactive demonstrations, distance learning opportunities, and Junior Ranger activities. The school is open for tours on request. Classes can host a day of lessons within the Freeman School. The website offers historical photographs, videos of farming demonstrations, audio files of Abraham Lincoln's words, a curriculum guide, a math activity booklet, a coloring book, dot-to-dot activities, and a suggested reading list for students.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site [GA]

Description

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is located in Atlanta, GA, at the site of King's birth. The home has been preserved in much the same state as during King's childhood years, and is open to visitors year round by appointment.

The historic site features exhibits on Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, as well as field trip programs, guided tours, and traveling trunks. The website offers visitor information, a history of the home, a brief biography of Martin Luther King Jr., a calendar of events, and resources for teachers including curriculum guides.

When Affirmative Action Was White

Description

Professor Ira Katznelson argues that U.S. government policies, beginning in the 1930s, favored white citizens over black citizens in practice, even if the policies' wordings were race-neutral. He discusses this in relation to affirmative-action policies favoring minorities today.

Audio and captioned video options are available.

Callie House: My Face is Black is True

Description

Professor Mary Frances Berry reviews the life of Callie House, an ex-slave and civil rights activist in the late 1800s and early 1900s who started the Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Association, which sought African-American pensions based on those offered Union soldiers. Berry presents House as a forerunner of figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Her presentation includes a question-and-answer session.

Audio and video options are available.