9/11 and Commemoration: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers
Help students understand the events of 9/11 and how such events are commemorated via informal and formal memorials.
Religion and the Civil War: A Guide for Pre-Service Teachers
Help students understand the how religious beliefs shaped Americans’ understanding of the Civil War using sheet music from the Library of Congress.
John F. Kennedy and Service
Students learn about John F. Kennedy and his ideas about service as a prompt to explore what service means in their communities.
Abraham Lincoln and the Jews
Students learn about the sixteenth president’s relationship with Jewish Americans and his policy of religious tolerance.
A Close Look at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Historian Christopher Hamner engages educators in close questioning of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, DC.
Ford's Theatre: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Ford’s Theatre Society’s Sarah Jencks leads teachers through Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and follow-up activities, in this example of on-site TAH professional development.
A Close Look at the World War II Memorial
Historian Christopher Hamner introduces educators to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. He asks, what was its intended audience and purpose?
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum: Personalizing History
Make large-scale historic events like the Holocaust personal with artifacts and stories from individual human lives.
For Us the Living
A series of five primary source based learning modules that encourage high school students to explore American history through the stories found in Alexandria National Cemetery.
Open Parks Network
View over 1 million images from U.S. national parks and historic sites.
ABMC War Dead Database
Features over 224,000 records of individuals buried or memorialized in ABMC cemeteries and memorials worldwide.
Lincoln on the Big Screen
How do historians think about films like Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln? Take a look with Teachinghistory.org!
The Civil War in Art: Teaching and Learning Through Chicago Collections
Integrate these two guides into your curriculum to help students develop visual and textual analysis skills.
The Origins of the Service Flag
Discover what the symbols on these flags stand for.
Recreating the Cuban Missile Crisis
Ninth-grade teacher Jamie Kimbrough asked her students to stand in Kennedy’s shoes. How did they decide to resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Integrating Language Arts and History
Elementary teacher Karen Eanes hooks her students with engaging historical fiction, art, and primary source excerpts on George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware.
Teaching the Emancipation Proclamation on Constitution Day
This Constitution Day, the National Endowment for the Humanities asks, how is the Emancipation Proclamation like the U.S. Constitution?
Decisive Battles in the War of Independence
What were the most important battles of the American Revolution?
Whites of Their Eyes
Who said, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes?”
Resources for Independence Day
Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July instead of the Second of July? Teach the context of the Declaration of Independence with these resources!
Resources for Flag Day
Flag Day may not fall during the school year for many, but Flag Day resources are valuable all year long.
World War II Memorial
What meanings does the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, have? Historians Christopher Hamner and Michael O’Malley try to answer this question.
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
How does the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, DC, depict Grant and the Civil War? Historians Christopher Hamner and Michael O’Malley take a look.
IWitness
Delve into 20th-century history with Holocaust survivor and witness testimonies.
Reading Photographs: MacArthur and Hirohito
How would you have planned this photograph if you were General MacArthur?
Civil War in Art
Why did the painter frame Lincoln in greenery? Learn about interpretations of the Civil War through period and recent works of art.
Memorial Day: The Poppy Puzzle
Do you know the history of this symbol?
Resources for Memorial Day
How do you observe Memorial Day? Teachinghistory.org shares teaching resources for the holiday.
Organizing History Through Images
In this lesson, students will organize photographs both chronologically and conceptually in order to construct a narrative of the Holocaust.
Who Won the War (of 1812)?
How do textbooks from different countries treat the War of 1812?
Preparing for the Days of Remembrance
How do people talk about and understand the Holocaust today in the U.S. and around the world?
World War and Literature
Can you suggest any literature covering World War I to World War II that my 10th-grade world history class can read?
Pearl Harbor Attack Map
What did U.S. sailors mean when they refer to seeing “the meatball”? What did Japanese pilots think about the attack?
Letters from the Philippines
Letters from U.S. soldiers during the Philippine-American War reveal perspectives very different from the official language of liberation.
Texas and Mexico: Centers for Cultural Collision
In 1821, Anglo settlers migrated to Texas en masse. Discover the profound impact this movement had on the relationship between whites and hispanic Tejanos.
IWitness
View testimonies on the Holocaust, create videos, and learn the importance of ethical editing.
Maryland Historical Society Collections Online
Whether you’re bolstering your teaching of local history or the War of 1812, the MHS has artifacts to help.
The Blue and the Grey (and Red and Green and Yellow)
What do you think Civil War uniforms looked like? They varied more than you might think!
Give Me (Nuclear) Shelter
How much do you know about these iconic emblems of Cold War fears?
Resources for Teaching the War of 1812
Earlier this year, we looked at what historic sites were doing to celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. But how can you teach the bicentennial in your classroom?
Understanding 9/11: A Television News Archive
How was the TV-viewing world introduced to the events of 9/11 in the U.S. and around the world?
World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response
Get out of the political arena and teach your students about the emergency response and human issues that resulted from 9/11.
VOCES Oral History Project
Ever wondered about the wartime experiences of Latinos and Latinas? VOCES seeks to help remedy the gap in U.S. popular historical narrative.
Memoirs v. Tapes: President Nixon and the December Bombings
Was Nixon as reluctant to initiate the Christmas bombing as his memoirs suggest, or was he as eager as he claimed Kissinger to be?
A Sailor's Life for Me!
Explore Old Ironsides—live the life of a ship’s boy or learn about the people who fought aboard her.
Civilian Public Service Story
Unearth an important part of U.S. military history—the conscientious decision not to fight.
All Hands on Deck
Get classroom attention by using the “swashbuckling” history of the USS Constitution as a knowledge vehicle.
Witness and Response: September 11 Acquisitions at the Library of Congress
If you’re searching for 9/11 materials, this website offers easy access to materials across the Library of Congress’s collections.
The Bicentennial of 1812
How much do your students know about the War of 1812? Find resources on the bicentennial of this often-overlooked war.
Remembering Pearl Harbor: Resources for the 70th Anniversary
December 7, 2011 will mark the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Discover resources for teaching the day.
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.
The Road to Pearl Harbor
Explore the rise of animosity between the U.S. and Japan through primary source documents and related classroom activities.
Recipe for Victory: Food and Cooking in Wartime
Winning a war using…food? Explore sources concerning World War I and gastronomical homefront movements.
Veterans Day: Medals and Merit
You know the Purple Heart, but can you identify these honors?
Resources for Veterans Day
How do your students celebrate Veterans Day?
Japanese American Internment: Executive Order 9066
How did the World War II internment of Japanese Americans happen? Historian Frank Wu examines Executive Order 9066.
Japanese American Internment: Ansel Adams Photos
If the U.S. interned you and your family, how would you respond?
Handbook of Texas Online
This website contains a vast collection of resources on Texas history and culture.
What If...?: Reexamining the American Revolution
How different would “the United States of America” be if the British had won the Revolutionary War?
Cause and Effect: The Outbreak of World War II
What factors contributed to the initiation of World War II? Find out here!
Conrad W. Chapman: A Confederate Soldier's Paintings of the Defense of Charleston
Chapman spent more than 20 years painting Civil War Charleston after his stint in the Confederate Army.
Guampedia
Guam is often left out of discussions of U.S. history. Remedy the situation!
Socks to War
Even humble, everyday artifacts have a rich place in history.
American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia
Meet Virginians from the 1860s, and learn about their lives.
Red Cross: Exploring Humanitarian Law
Humanitarian law and history are hardly mutually exclusive.
Gettysburg: Turning Point or a Small Stepping-Stone to Victory?
History is often muddled by modern hindsight. Discover the true meaning of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Civil War Convicts: Unraveling a Misconception
Did criminals fight during the Civil War? Not exactly, but some soldiers became convicts as a result of their service.
e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia
There’s far more to West Virginia than stereotypes suggest. Why not take some time to explore the state?
Puerto Rico Encyclopedia/Enciclopedia de Puerto Rico
Connect with your ELL students with this bilingual Puerto Rico Encyclopedia!
The U.S. House of Representatives Remembers September 11
9/11 impacted more than just the nation. This repository of oral history video and audio clips reflects the tragedy from personal perspectives.
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.
Civil War Poster!
What can a quilt, a map, some photographs, a haversack, and a receipt tell you about the past?
The Memphis Belle
The last operational mission of a venerable World War II airplane.
Tippecanoe and Walking Canes Too
A family’s oral history intersects with larger events in U.S. history.
In Remembrance: September 11, 2001
September 11, 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. When does the recent past become history?
Film Review: Gods and Generals
What view of the Civil War does Gods and Generals present? Historian Steven E. Woodworth critiques the film.
Gettysburg National Military Park: Camp Life
What did soldiers do between battles? Sometimes, fought off boredom!
Civil War Letters
Historian Chandra Manning analyzes Civil War letters from black and white Union soldiers and a Confederate soldier.
U.S. Naval Power, 1775-1815
Believe it or not, the U.S. wasn’t always particularly supportive of increasing naval strength.
D-Day
Did you know that the gear a paratrooper had to carry could weigh as much as 120 pounds?
Betty H. Carter Women Veterans Historical Project
What role have women played in war and the military?
Creating a More Perfect Union: 1861-1865
Interested in teaching about the Civil War from a maritime perspective?
Open Yale Courses
Looking for a little professional development? Miss your college classes? Try Yale’s.
Throughout the Ages
Looking for a primary source website created especially for elementary teachers?
Diary of a Civil War Nurse
What was life like for Amanda Akin, Civil War nurse in Washington, DC?
Shaping the Constitution
What role did Virginia play in defining the U.S. and upholding rights we now consider basic and essential?
William Steinway Diary, 1861-1896
Daily life in 19th-century New York City, music history, and Civil War commentary all in one place.
An Ear for the Past: The National Jukebox
Catchy primary sources? You bet! With the Library of Congress’s National Jukebox, get your students humming history.
Memorializing Memorials
How do we relate to national memorials? Photographs can show us how we want to see our monuments.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2011
Scratch the surface of Asian Pacific American history this May, and keep digging.
American Resistance to a Standing Army
Americans of the 18th century took a much dimmer view of the institution of a professional army than current views of the U.S. military.
Sand, Sea, and Oil: Operation Desert Storm
It’s in the name: “Desert.” How did the environment affect the Persian Gulf War?
Black-Robed Regiment
Not technically a military force, the “Regiment” proved integral to the success of the American Revolution.
Black Confederates
Most African Americans (free or slaves) never joined the ranks of the Confederacy. Are there cases where individuals did?
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.
Airplane Meals
Think you’re a post-WWII expert? Test your knowledge with this quiz on the Berlin Airlift.
Researching the Mexican American War
Whether you are writing a paper or just curious, here are some great resources on the Mexican American War.
Of the Student, For the Student, By the Student
Sixth graders in Prince William County film their interpretations of the First Battle of Manassas.
War of Invaders
What do these biased narratives of the French and Indian War tell us?
Searching for Sesquicentennial Sources
Teaching the Civil War? With the sesquicentennial kicking off, resources are popping up left and right!
Animating the Home Front
What happens when cartoon characters go to war?
Anthony Pellegrino's Classroom Simulations: Begin with Paris
Re-enact the Paris Peace Conference with your students, and let them experience dissatisfaction (or satisfaction) with the results themselves.
Historical Improbabilities
Truth is stranger than fiction, they say. Can you tell the difference?
International Aid: How and When the U.S. Helps
With the Mar. 11 earthquake in Japan, your students may be asking about international aid. Here are some places to start learning about when and why the U.S. helps.
Women at War
Women have fought in every U.S. war, but only recently have they gained official military status.
Examining the Korean War
Allow students to explore historical events through multiple perspectives with this lesson.
Union or Secession: Virginians Decide
Trace Virginia’s route to secession in the Civil War with more than 200 primary sources.
Virginia Memory
Are you a Virginia educator teaching VA state history? My your task easy! Explore the Library of Virginia’s 70 collections of digitized primary sources.
African American History Month 2011
For African American History Month, don’t just focus on the heroes—use primary sources to explore the lives of ordinary people.
Dissent in the Ranks
George Washington’s military career and reputation were not pure successes. His military losses caused some to question his ability to lead a nation.
150 Years Ago Today...
April 12th will mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. How is your state celebrating?
Drafting Music
Both the North and South instituted drafts during the Civil War. Popular music of the day had something to say on the subject.
Past Rebel Lines
Benedict Arnold wasn’t the only spy in the American Revolution. Take this quiz on 18th century spies and their techniques.
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Teaching the Reconstruction? Ford’s Theatre’s Sarah Jencks leads teachers through Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and follow-up activities.
Victory Vegetables
WWII Victory Gardens allowed citizens to raise food…and wage war!
Union Cavalry
The development of the Union cavalry forces was behind that of the Confederates which was considered, " the best Cavalry in the world." but its late formation did not hinder its eventual success.
Great Expectations for the Civil War
Many believed the Civil War would be a short, bloodless battle. The reality of the drawn out combat led many soldiers in the North and South to desert the military to return home to farm and family.
From War to Revolution
Can you answer these questions on figures who took part in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution?
Picturing the American Revolution
Looking for a creative way to teach the American Revolution to struggling readers? Check this out!
Understanding and Appreciating World War II Veterans
Immerse your students in World War II battles, veterans, and services for Veteran’s Day projects with these handy websites.
Understanding and Appreciating WWII Veterans
Websites that assist students in compiling information on WWII battles, veterans, and services for Veteran’s Day projects.
Remembering All Veterans
Veterans Day is for everyone who fought for the U.S.—including those who volunteered in the face of prejudice.
Elizabeth Schaefer on the Interactive Declaration of Independence
Eighth-grade U.S. history teacher Elizabeth Schaefer “warps” the Declaration of Independence into the future with interactives from the Library of Congress.
Memorializing Veterans: Teaching with Place
What do memorials say about history and how it’s remembered? On Veterans Day, take a look at national and local veterans memorials.
Forming Lesson Plans Around State Mandates
How do you teach the effects of WWI on art and literature? Transforming a content standard into a solid lesson plan.
The Barbary Pirates: Letter from Tripoli
Two letters from 1800 Tripoli lead into a story of piracy, privateering, slavery, international politics, and war at sea and on land.
Elizabeth Schaefer on the Impact of 9/11 in the Classroom
Eighth-grade U.S. history teacher Elizabeth Schaefer introduces students to interview techniques and historical thinking with a lesson on 9/11.
Civil War Photos: What Do You See?
Analysis of photographs of Civil War artillery broadens students understanding of the American Industrial period.
Breaking the Confederate Line at Antietam
Hour by hour account of how Union Generals moved on the battlefield at Sharpsburg.
The Possible Path of Barnard Bee
Examination of counterfactual questions and how they are used in historical analysis.
Thanksgiving Dinner in 1943
What traditional Thanksgiving foods would have been hard to come by during WWII?
American Myths: Popular Music
Each song has a story. What inspired it? When was it made? By whom?
A-mouldering in the Grave
“John Brown’s Body” keeps reappearing. What do you know about the song?
Classroom Glory
Does the movie “Glory” depict historical accuracy or wholesale fiction?
Robert Gould Shaw
Where does the glory of Robert Shaw and the men of the 54th Massachusetts reside?
My Lai Massacre Political Cartoon
Professor Meredith Lair examines a 1971 political cartoon and what it says about U.S. reaction to the My Lai Massacre and the trial of Lt. Willam Calley.
Freedom Trail Foundation
Studying the American Revolution? How about walking Boston’s Freedom Trail? You don’t have to live near Boston to take this virtual tour.
Indiana Historical Society Digital Image Collections
Indiana educators, looking for visual primary sources? Search more than 38,000 photographs from the 19th century to the present.
Evoking the Past
When visiting historical sites, sometimes you need a visual/emotional “hook” to get students interested.
African and Native Americans in Colonial and Revolutionary Times
African Americans and Native Americans have had a long and complex relationship, often characterized by their similar exclusion from the fruits of freedom envisioned during the American Revolution.
Coming of the American Revolution, 1764-1776
Teaching the American Revolution and its politics? Check out 15 topical essays and a database of more than 150 primary sources.
The Auto Industry Goes to War
Domestic automotive manufacturing took a back seat to military transport needs in World War II.
Nixtontapes.org
Teaching Watergate? Introduce students to the Nixon tapes with more than 2,000 hours of recordings.
Lincoln Archives Digital Project
Surf an animated timeline of Abraham Lincoln’s life and times.
Stonewall Jackson and the Battle of Chancellorsville
The Confederate battle plan at Chancellorsville was extraordinarily daring and risky.
Refugees from the American Revolutionary War
Neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, father against son.
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere: Fact, Fiction, and Artistic License
Did Revere’s ride really look like that? Use historical documents to analyze flights of artistic fancy.
A Clear Shot across the Continent
President Polk, the fortunes of war, territory, and the ever-present compromises of history.
Deserters in the Civil War
What happened to Civil War deserters after they deserted?
Rock Paper Scissors
Gamester extraordinaire Comte de Rochambeau?
The U.S. and Egypt in the 1950s
Creating political blowback in the Middle East
Opening up the Textbook: Voices from My Lai
High school students use primary sources to question their textbook’s narrative on the My Lai massacre.
All Wrapped Up in the Flag
Flinging the first American flag to the breeze.
Spy in a Petticoat
“She had outwitted the British and oh how they hated her.”
America Abroad
Isolated and expansive at the same time.
Missouri Digital Heritage
Missouri teachers looking for primary sources, look no further. Explore this portal for resources from libraries, universities, archives, and heritage sites throughout the state.
Friendly Fire
Fratricide and allied questions. In the heat of battle, mistakes happen.
A Life of Strenuous Endeavor
T Roosevelt: “Let us pay with our bodies for our souls’ desire.”
Remember the Alamo
How did the Alamo happen?
Roads to Antietam
You’re a Union general on the eve of Antietam. You know Lee’s plans. What will you do?
Team Ships
Learn the basic steps to building and commissioning a Navy vessel.
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library eLibrary
More than 5,700 documents related to Woodrow Wilson’s life and presidency.
U.S. Congressional Serial Set, 1817-1994
More than 355,000 items produced by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, from 1817-1994.
Elementary Military History Resources
You don’t have to wait until middle school to teach military history.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
This presidential library presents sources from the 35th President’s life and times.
Russian Ships at Pearl Harbor?
Playing the game of alternative history—do what-ifs and if-onlys have a place in historical inquiry?
Boston's Bloody Affray
A struggle over naming a struggle—when and where did the Boston Massacre gain the name?
All Disquiet on the Western Front
In Flanders fields the poppies blow. . . Why did trench warfare characterize World War I?
Spanish Louisiana vs. Great Britain
Spain pursuing its own goals against Great Britain.
John Brown's Holy War
A variety of resources focused on the life and times of infamous abolitionist John Brown.
Civil War Maps
Explore the Library of Congress’ collection of Civil War maps, including maps of all major engagements.
Band Music from the Civil War Era
Listen to an overview of popular brass band music from the Civil War era.
National Park Service, Teaching with Historic Places
Use this website to plan and organize lessons around NPS properties and locations.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
Visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Library for a wealth of resources regarding Ford’s presidency.
The Vietnam War Declassification Project
An extensive collection of primary documents pertaining to the American withdrawal from Vietnam.
Liberty! The American Revolution
The companion site to a PBS documentary, this website is a useful resource for scholars of the American Revolution.
Historical Maps of the United States
A collection of U.S. and military maps useful for a variety of research.
Vietnam Online
A companion site to a PBS series, this website contains a wealth of resources relating to Vietnam.
The Whole World Was Watching: An Oral History of 1968
An oral history of 1968, as told by a variety of Rhode Island residents, focusing on Civil Rights and Vietnam.
The Challenge of Democracy: LBJ in the Oval Office: Johnson's Vietnam Anguish
Listen to four telephone conversations recorded by Lyndon B. Johnson related to the Vietnam War.
John Brown and the Valley of the Shadow
A comprehensive collection of primary source materials which cover the infamous Harper’s Ferry raid.
CIA and the Vietnam Policy Makers: Three Episodes 1962-1968
A recently declassified study on the CIA’s intelligence assessments concerning Vietnam.
Early American Imprints, Series I: Evans, 1639-1800
Looking for a one-stop spot for all your quick 1639-1800 research needs?
Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War
Visualize the Civil War through the photographs selected by Alexander Gardner in 1865.
The Crisis of the Union
An impressive array of tracts (and more) brought together for your convenience.
Spain, The United States, and The American Frontier: Historias Paralelas
If you need primary sources on the Spanish in North America, try this site.
The Perilous Fight: America's World War II in Color
Explore World War II’s color film footage.
Life Interrupted: The Japanese American Experience in WW II Arkansas
What was life like during Japanese American internment?
Philip S. Hench Walter Reed Yellow Fever Collection
Discover the men, ideas, and process behind discovering that mosquitoes transfer yellow fever.
North Carolinians and the Great War
How did World War I effect the lives of the everyday North Carolinian?
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Teaching Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War? Explore this storehouse of Lincolnian history.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum
Peruse this national source for all things Eisenhower.
Charles H. Templeton Sheet Music Collection
Looking for World War era, minstrel, or showtune sheet music?
Bob Hope and American Variety
“When Vaudeville died, television was the box they put it in,” according to Bob Hope. Read essays on his life and career.
Best of History Websites
Find top notch history web resources, as well as advice on using technology for teaching.
July 1942: United We Stand
See how the federal government promoted nationalism in a widespread media movement.
U.S. Intelligence Policy Documentation Project
Read up on the NRO, NSA, and the use of satellite imaging for intelligence collection.
China and the United States: From Hostility to Engagement, 1960-1998
Trace U.S.-China relations from the 60s through present day.
Black Wings: African American Pioneer Aviators
What was life like for the African American pilots of World War II?
The Joshua Lederberg Papers
What contributions has bacterial geneticist Joshua Lederberg made to science and healthcare?
U.S. Army Signal Corps Photograph Collection
Take a peek at 1940s military life in Hampton Roads, VA.
Meeting of Frontiers
How does the settling of the Siberian frontier compare to that of the U.S. West?
World War I History Commission Questionnaires
How did World War I change soldiers’ attitudes, religious beliefs, and employment prospects?
Encyclopedia Britannica: The 1911 Edition
Find out what people thought of everything from ablation to vinegar in 1911.
Record of Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Civil War, 1861-1865
Search this Civil War roster for data on the service of New Jersey soldiers.
George Washington: A National Treasure
What can you learn from the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington?
The Hartford Black History Project
Follow the formation of the African American community in the city of Hartford, CT
Lesson Plans Library
Hundreds of lesson plans, right at your fingertips. Incorporate them in the classroom.
AMDOCS: Documents for the Study of American History
One convenient source for major historical U.S. documents.
Washington During the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865
What did patent examiner Taft have to say on the Civil War homefront?
Remembering Herblock
View political cartoons by Herbert Block, father of the term, “McCarthyism.”
The Luso-Hispanic World in Maps
Peruse maps of Spanish and Portuguese colonization, exploration, and military ventures.
Science, Technology, and the CIA
Project “Acoustic Kitty,” anyone? With different code names for missions, the CIA has shielded some vital information from the public.
Historical Map and Chart Collection
Teaching exploration? Why not introduce your students to nautical charts?
HistoryWired: A Few of Our Favorite Things
What American history items do Smithsonian curators like best?
Korea + 50: No Longer Forgotten
Explore one of the country’s least discussed major military conflicts, the Korean War.
American Originals Part II
Introduce students to 25 documents selected by the National Archives for their historical importance.
Virginia Historical Inventory (VHI)
View Virginia’s antebellum architectural culture.
National Security Archives: The Pentagon's Spies
James Bond, anyone? Delve into the States’ history of espionage.
Spy Letters of the American Revolution
Aside from Benedict Arnold, how much do you know about Revolutionary War spies?
National Security Action Memoranda of John F. Kennedy
Browse a wealth of memos from the Kennedy administration.
Civil War Letters of the Christie Family
What would your life be like as a Union soldier? What did it say about your personal values?
American Civil War Manuscript Guides
Through these writings, you can see how soldiers saw themselves as actors in Civil War battles.
Bay of Pigs Reports
What did the U.S. government think of its own attempt to overthrow Castro?
Pictures of World War II
If you need World War II visuals, this is an excellent place to start searching.
Pictures of African Americans During World War II
See what life on the homefront and at war was like for African American citizens.
Photographs of the American West, 1861-1912
Imagine life on the western frontier.
A Maritime Perspective on American Expansion, 1820-1890
We all know the role of the wagon in westward expansion, but what of ships?
Hall of Black Achievement Gallery
Meet 30 influential African Americans who contributed across a wide variety of fields.
Historical Atlas of the Twentieth Century
Compare global statistics on topics from infant mortality to literacy.
Documents Relating to American Foreign Policy during the Cuban Missile Crisis
From telegrams to meeting notes, this site catalogs Cuban Missile Crisis documents.
Pioneering the Upper Midwest: Rare Books c. 1820-1910
Explore Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin life through rare books.
Puerto Rico at the Dawn of the Modern Age
Have you ever wondered about the international politics of Puerto Rico?
The 19th Century in Print: Books
What were people reading around the time of the Civil War?
Florida Heritage Collection
Explore Florida state, regional, and local history.
Eye of the Storm
See the Civil War as it happened in Union soldier Knox Sneden’s watercolors.
Dr. Seuss Went to War: A Catalog of Political Cartoons
We all remember the Lorax, but who remembers Seuss’s political cartoons?
New Perspectives on the West
Peruse lesson plans about the West on this companion site to a Ken Burns documentary.
The American Experience
Discover briefs on more than 60 iconic points in U.S. history.
Drawing the Western Frontier: The James E. Taylor Album
How did newspaper illustration shape stereotypes (and our understanding) of the “Wild West”?
Brooklyn Daily Eagle Online (1841-1902)
Explore the history of Brooklyn, 1841 through 1902, with historical newspaper issues.
National Security Archive
Read official documents on U.S. intelligence and positions from the Cold War through present day.
Great Lakes Maritime History Project
Delve into Wisconsin’s maritime history. Discover the multiple ways in which water shaped the history of the state.
Earliest Voices: A Gallery from the Vincent Voice Library
Hear the conviction and charisma of seven renowned turn-of-the-century speakers.
Picturing Modern America Project
Create your own thematic exhibits using Library of Congress images.
Access to Archival Databases
Delve into more than 85 million records related to U.S. history.
Conservation and Environmental Maps
Looking for maps with an environmental focus? Try here.
Oneida Indian Nation: Culture and History
Meet the Oneida, and discover their role in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.
The Star-Spangled Banner
What does the flag mean in the terms of forging a cohesive U.S. identity?
A More Perfect Union
Was Japanese American internment constitutional? Explore the Japanese American experience.
Washington History
Make this your first stop for topics related to Washington state history!
Military Campaign Maps
Where exactly were troops stationed in a given battle? Visualize the military campaigns, and imagine what the troops saw when they were able to initiate fighting.
A Civil War Soldier in the Wild Cat Regiment
Follow Capt. Reynold’s life, from childhood photos to his stint as a Union soldier.
American Memory Learning Page
Try lesson plans based on the Library of Congress’ American Memory collections.
The Vietnam Project
A highly comprehensive look at the Vietnam War.
Women of Valor
Meet international anarchist and women’s rights activist Emma Goldman.
WRA Photographs of Japanese-American Evacuation and Resettlement
These curious photos created by the War Relocation Authority put a positive spin on Japanese American internment.
Rediscovering George Washington
Take in the latest scholarship on the life of the first U.S. president.
American Photography: A Century of Images
How has photography altered our perception of and the actuality of reality?
The Story of Virginia
State standards require you to teach VA history? Worry not! This site covers Virginia history from prehistoric times to the present.
Selective Service System
Did you know that the draft was used in times of peace, as well as war?
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Follow the development of Weapons of Mass Destruction through the protection of the people of the U.S.
Spain in the American Revolution
The enemy of my enemy is my friend—what was Spain’s role (and motivation) in the American Revolution?
Rare Map Collection
Explore maps from throughout America’s history, with a special focus on 19th century Georgia.
Investigating the Vietnam War
A good starting point for student research regarding the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
Cold War: Postwar Estrangement
A collection of Soviet archival documents which take visitors inside the highest levels of the Soviet Government.
Regarding Vietnam: Stories Since the War
A valuable site filled with firsthand discussion on the conduct and effect of the Vietnam War.
Crisis at Fort Sumter
Work through the Fort Sumter crises alongside our nation’s leaders.
The Digital Classroom
An informative introduction to the practice and excitement of historical research.
WestWeb: Western Studies and Research Resources
This gateway site provides a wealth of resources pertaining to the American West.
History: The National Park Service
Visit this website to learn the history of many of the 384 areas under the stewardship of the National Park Service.
Words and Deeds in American History
View primary documents that helped to shape America’s history.
George Percival Scriven: An American in Bohol, The Philippines, 1899-1901
Witness the U.S. Army’s occupation of Bohol through the eyes of officer George Percival Scriven.
First-Person Narratives of the American South, 1860-1920
Learn about the American south in the late 19th century through 141 firsthand texts.
A People at War
A collection of primary sources detailing the American war effort in World War II.
American Originals
Explore 14 significant and compelling documents from the National Archive Holdings.
Hiroshima Peace Site
Learn about Hiroshima and the history of nuclear warfare and non-proliferation through this website.
A Cybrary of the Holocaust
Visit this website for a firsthand view into the horror of the holocaust.
Remembering Nagasaki
View rare photographs of Nagasaki which chronicle the destructive power of nuclear warfare.
Japanese-American Internment
Use this site as a gateway to primary sources and online resources detailing Japanese Internment
Letters from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War
Read a firsthand account of army life during the Civil War. See the battles from the perspective of someone who fought in them.
Images of Battle: Selected Civil War Letters
Relive major Civil War battles through the words of the soldiers who fought in them.
Civil War Letters of Galutia York
Read about the Civil War from private Galutia York’s perspective.
Archiving Early America
Explore the early history of America with reproductions of important documents and newspapers.
World War I: Trenches on the Web
Visit Trenches on the Web for all your World War I research needs.
The Wars for Vietnam: 1945-1975
Visit this website for a comprehensive introduction to the Vietnam War.
The Japanese American Exhibit and Access Project
Go back in time and witness the harsh conditions at Japanese Internment Camps during World War II.
Civil War Women
Learn about the role of three American women during the Civil War.
New Jersery History Partnership Project
Use New Jersey during the American Revolution as a national microcosm.
Sullivan Clinton Campaign, 1779-2005
Explore the 1779 Sullivan-Clinton Campaign to destroy the Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondaga.
Alaska's Digital Archive
View images related to Alaskan statehood and Native Americans.
Vietnam War Era Ephemera Collection
Explore campus protest ephemera and the youth movements of the 1960s and 70s.
Brooklyn in the Civil War
What role did Brooklyn play in the War Between the States?
Rebellion: John Horse and the Black Seminoles
What role did runaway slaves and free African Americans play in the Second Seminole War?
Adams Family Papers
You probably know about John Adam’s political career, but what of the Adams’ domestic life?
Presidential Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower
Fortify your knowledge of Eisenhower’s international and domestic policies.
Library of Congress: Webcasts
Access more than 500 webcasts from the Library of Congress.
The History Box
Have a question about New York City or state history? More than 750 articles available.
Bound for Glory: America in Color, 1939-1943
View color photographs of everyday life during the Great Depression and pre-World War II mobilization.
Historic Pittsburgh
Acquaint yourself with Pittsburgh history through full texts, images, maps, census data, and lesson plans.
Portal to Texas History
Texas educators, looking for primary resources on state history? Search this portal for thousands of images and documents drawn from Texas-based archival collections.
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History
Why is Las Vegas one of the world’s most popular destinations? How has it changed?
American POWS in Japanese Captivity
Japanese treatment of American prisoners of war.
New Jersey Public Records and Archives
Familiarize yourself with New Jersey history using images, maps, and official documents.
Teaching Future Historians: U.S. History Lesson Plans Using Primary Documents
A diverse array of Antebellum, Civil War, and Gilded Age lesson plans for your convenience.
The Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II
What alternatives were suggested to dropping nuclear weapons on Japan? What is radiation poisoning?
Turning Points in Wisconsin History
Primary documents, background information, and lesson plans for Wisconsin history.
World War I Sheet Music
What can the music of World War I tell us about its era?
Perry Visits Japan
Explore the official beginning of U.S.-Japan international relations.
Tennessee Documentary History Collection, 1796-1850
Geared toward K-12 education, this site presents antebellum life in Tennessee through letters and images.
Dolley Madison Digital Edition
Read Dolley Madison’s personal correspondence from her youth through her widowhood.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Learn about the men who fought for American ideals and survived.
Gilmer Civil War Maps Collection
Explore the Civil War-era South through hand-drawn maps and renderings.
StoryCorps
Connect 20th-century events and daily life with real human experiences through oral history audio files.
American State Papers, 1789-1838
Access Congressional documents from the first 25 Congresses.
Life After the Holocaust: Stories of Holocaust Survivors After The War
Can you imagine starting your life over in the U.S. following the Holocaust?
The Lincoln Institute
Explore Lincoln’s presidency; and access related classroom resources, including lesson plans.
Recovered Notebooks from the Thomas Harned Walt Whitman Collection
Experience personal accounts of Civil War hospitals and read poetry drafts in Walt Whitman’s journals.
Connecticut Historical Society
Explore the political and sociocultural history of Connecticut.
Alabama Maps
How have boundaries changed over time? Compare the maps of yesteryear with those of today.
LBJ Oral History Project Online
What better way to explore Johnson’s presidency than through the words of his associates?
Fly Girls
Explore the experiences of World War II’s Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) at this companion website to the PBS American Experience documentary.
U.S. Marine Corps
Why are the Marines known as “America’s 911 Force”? Explore this division of the armed services.
Children’s Voices from the Civil War
Help students identify with the past via children who lived through the Civil War.
National Atlas
Explore maps that enable you to better understand the country that you live in, and the land that surrounds you.
Central Intelligence Agency
You’ve seen spy movies, but what is the real history of U.S. intelligence operations?
U.S. Coast Guard
Who protects U.S. interests in international and domestic waters?
Teaching with Historic Places
Looking for new ideas on how to teach with the historic places in your community?
U.S. Army
Increase your knowledge of the people, past, and technology of the United States Army.
U.S. Navy
Who defends our seas, and how do they do it? Explore primary sources and more.
The Boston Massacre: Fact, Fiction, or Bad Memory
Help students think about where evidence for history comes from.
National Security Archive: The Pentagon Papers
In 1971, the “Pentagon Papers” formed the center of a legal debate over freedom of speech. Follow the Supreme Court’s process and decisions.
How Did "Colonel" Become "Ker-nul"?
The pronunciation devil is in the historical details.
Which Native American Tribes Allied Themselves with the French?
Historians endeavor to uncover Native American perspectives.
Why Did President Polk Want War with Mexico?
During the 1840s, Manifest Destiny remained an effusive spirit rather than an agenda for empire.
Another Kind of American Idol
Explore the history of America’s most iconic image—the American flag. But remember: lip-syncing is not allowed!
Prologue to Studying the Emancipation Proclamation
An 8th-grade class analyzes letters about the Emancipation Proclamation.
Reading and Thinking Aloud to Understand
Two practices help students to make sense of primary source documents on the internment of Japanese Americans while improving their reading skills.
Lincoln Bicentennial: A Teachable Moment (updated February 24)
An ongoing reference to exhibits, events, lectures, reenactments, ceremonies, and other tributes commemorating the significance of Lincoln’s life and his presidency during this 200th-year anniversary.
Register for Your Virtual Seat: Smithsonian Education Online Lincoln Conference
If you missed this two-day online event, watch the videos from the Abraham Lincoln: a Smithsonian Education Online Conference on the website.
Who Earned a Medal for Cutting Costs by Starving Confederate Prisoners?
Almost two million dollars allocated to feed prisoners was returned to the U.S. Treasury.
Save the Date! National Teach-In on Lincoln!
Register now for this program with expert historians geared for middle and high schoolers.
Jewish Immigration During the Revolutionary War
Just before the Revolution, between 2,000 and 3,000 Jews lived in the colonies.
Teaching Historical Interpretation through Planning Documentary Films
Watch this 9th-grade teacher lead his class in planning, writing, and organizing their own documentary films.
The Debate in the United States over the League of Nations
Documents and audio files explain the range of early political viewpoints on the League of Nations.
What Happened to the Fenians After 1866?
Ireland’s revolutionary struggle against Britain played out in North America as well as in Europe.
Namesake of a Peacekeeper
Historians have attempted to account for the great admiration that whites had for Tecumseh.
Quantity of Soldiers—not Quality of Their Aim—Won Battles
Linear battle formations date at least to the early 17th century.
The Reason Behind the "Stars and Bars"
Find out how this battle flag came into being.
National Register of Historic Places Travel Itineraries
Explore the historic sites in more than 50 cities and towns across the U.S.
Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research
Social science data offered to member colleges and universities here covers a range of sociological and political areas.
CWIHP: Cold War International History Project
Covering 1945 through the late 1990s, sources from the former Communist bloc provide a different perspective on the Cold War.
History of the American West, 1860-1920
More than 30,000 photographs capture life in Colorado from 1860 to 1920.
Gulf War
Participants in Operation Desert Storm talk about their experiences in oral history interviews.
Oral History Digital Collection
In full-text narratives, more than 2,000 people from northeast Ohio discuss issues significant to the state and the nation.
Native American Documents Project
Four collections of data and documents address Federal Indian policy in the late 19th century.
Multilaterals Project
From environmental agreements to rules of warfare, read the text of international multilateral treaties, agreements, and conventions.
American Radicalism Collection
From the Ku Klux Klan to the IWW, examine 129 historical documents from radical organizations.
Studs Terkel: Conversations with America
Meet Studs Terkel—oral historian, radio host, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
Osher Map Library
History can be revealed through the study of maps, as these exhibits containing more than 600 maps and related documents explain.
France in America
In French and English, explore the history of the French in North America from the 1500s through the 1800s.
Truman Presidential Museum and Library
Government documents, oral histories, photographs, and political cartoons trace Harry S. Truman’s presidency.
World War I Document Archive
Learn more about military, diplomatic, and political resources by browsing this archive of World War I documents and images.
Spanish-American War in Motion Pictures
See how early film was used to capture and communicate the Spanish-American War.
Frontera Collection of Mexican American Music
Listen to clips from more than 100,000 recordings of Mexican American vernacular music.
Digital Archive Collections at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Library
Covering topics ranging from the annexation of Hawaii to World War II, 29 collections document the history of Hawaii and Micronesia.
Union Army Project
Presents medical and mortality statistics and records on 35,747 white males who served in the Union Army.
Touring Turn-of-the-Century America
This database of images literally offers snapshots of late 19th to early 20th century America.
Thomas Paine National Historical Association
Explore the life and works of one of the most famous revolutionaries—Thomas Paine.
Slavery in New York
Nine galleries explore the history of slavery in New York City.
Mexican-American War and the Media
More than 5,500 transcribed newspaper articles related to the Mexican-American War.
Century of Lawmaking: Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1873
Covers Congressional documents from the nation’s founding through early Reconstruction.
Abraham Lincoln Papers
Approximately 20,000 documents provide a window into President Abraham Lincoln’s life.
Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project
This site examines Illinois history and the life of Abraham Lincoln in the years 1831 through 1860.
USC Archival Research Center
With over 126,000 photographs, maps, and other documents, this site offers a comprehensive look at the history of Los Angeles and southern California.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Teach U.S. Navy history using photographs, paintings, documents, oral histories, historical overviews, and more.
Kentuckiana Digital Library
Collects photographs, texts, and oral histories drawn from 15 Kentucky colleges, universities, libraries, and historical societies.
Documenting the American South
Nearly 1,400 documents covering Southern life from the 18th to early 20th centuries.
Battle Lines: Letters from America's Wars
More than 30 letters cover conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812 to war in Iraq.
Africans in America
Trace the history of Africans in America through Reconstruction, with 245 images, maps, and documents.
Digital History
Multimedia resources for teaching slavery, private life, technology, and film.
American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar Launches Education Web Companion
The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, Virginia, recently launched an educational web companion helpful both to visitors to the Center and as a standalone teaching guide.
An Introduction to Historical Thinking and Reading
Watch this flash movie for a peek at how historians read and question sources.
Rutgers Oral History Archives
Listen to oral history interviews with Americans who served overseas and on the home front during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Cold War.
Northwestern European Military Situation Maps from World War II
Displays 416 situation maps from World War II.
Marchand Archive
Memorializes Roland Marchand with more than 6,100 images, including more than 2,000 advertisements, and 48 lesson plans drawn from his collection.
Florida State Archives Photographic Collection
Presents more than 137,000 photographs of Florida on specific localities from the mid-19th century to the present.
Vietnam Center and Archive
Browse through a multitude of resources on Vietnam and the Vietnam War, including oral histories, video interviews, and primary source documents.
Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, 1992-2001
Digitized versions of 20 volumes of Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, from 1992 to 2004.
Herblock's History: Political Cartoons from the Crash to the Millennium
View 150 cartoons drawn between 1929 and 2000 by Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Herbert Block.
CIA Electronic Reading Room
Digitally serves thousands of formerly secret documents in compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests.
Presidential Recording Program
Offers over 2,500 hours of White House recordings by six American presidents between 1940 and 1973.
Parallel History Project on Cooperative Security
More than 350 recently declassified documents reveal previously hidden aspects of Cold War military strategy.
NSA and the Cuban Missile Crisis
Provides access to facsimiles of 100 declassified documents relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
History and Politics Out Loud
Captures significant events and personalities of the 20th century through 107 audio items, including speeches, addresses, and private telephone conversations.
Historical Thinking Matters
Presents four guided investigations—on the Spanish-American War, the Scopes Trial, Social Security, and Rosa Parks—designed to teach students to read primary sources and construct historical narratives.
Historic Government Publications from World War II: A Digital Library
Includes more than 300 U.S. government pamphlets and books on home front issues from World War II.
Experiencing War: Stories from the Veterans History Project
Presents video and audio oral histories and additional material from American veterans of 20th-century wars.
After the Day of Infamy
Listen to more than 12 hours of oral interviews taken in the first three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The World of 1898: The Spanish-American War
A wonderful collection of chronologies, images, maps, and other materials on the Spanish-American War.
Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project
Explore this archive of over 110 video interviews on Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
American Shores: Maps of the Middle Atlantic Region to 1850
Explore the mid-Atlantic region with more than 1,852 maps created before 1850.
Ad*Access
Archives more than 7,000 newspaper and magazine advertisements printed in the U.S. from 1911 to 1955.
American Leaders Speak: Recordings from World War I and the 1920 Election
Access 59 sound recordings of 1918-1920 speeches by American leaders.
Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music
Scanned images of more than 18,000 pieces of sheet music, including covers, published prior to 1923.
Freedmen's Bureau Online
Read about crimes committed in the former Confederate states between 1865 to 1868.
Virtual Jamestown
Experience firsthand accounts of Jamestown and colonial history, dating from 1570 through 1720.
The Kraus Collection of Sir Francis Drake
Peruse 60 primary and secondary materials concerning the voyages of Sir Francis Drake.
Raid on Deerfield: The Many Stories of 1704
Documents the 1704 raid on Deerfield, MA, by 300 French and their Native American allies.
James Madison Papers
Explore James Madison’s life through his correspondence, personal notes, drafts of letters and legislation, and legal and financial documents.
George Washington Papers, 1741-1799
Presents the largest set of original Washington documents in the world.
Online Archive of California
Explore California from Japanese American internment or the Free Speech Movement to oral histories.
Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS), 1861-1960
Presents digitized selections from the official record of major declassified U.S. foreign policy decisions and diplomatic activity.
Digital Library of Georgia
Examines the history and culture of the state of Georgia, presenting an extensive range of primary sources.
Museum of the City of San Francisco
Peruse 11 exhibits, from the Gold Rush of 1849 to Japanese American internment during WWII.
Internet Moving Images Archive
Reproduces a privately held collection of American ephemeral films produced between 1927 and 1987.
Indian Affairs: Laws and Treaties
Digitizes Indian Affairs, a seven-volume compendium of treaties, laws, and executive orders relating to U.S.-Indian affairs from 1778 to 1970.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Website
The Holocaust must be remembered. This site will give your students a closer look at the atrocities of this genocide.
The Stars and Stripes, 1918-1919
Peruse every edition of the “official newspaper” of the U.S. Army fighting forces during World War I.
The Great Depression to World War II: Photos from the FSA-OWI
Explore this database of over 150,000 photographs that capture the true nature of this crisis and its solutions.
South Texas Border, 1900-1920: The Robert Runyon Collection
This site showcases over 8,000 images documenting the history and development of South Texas and the border.
Ansel Adams's Photographs of Japanese-American Internment at Manzanar
Ansel Adams’s photographs preserve life at the Manzanar War Relocation Center during World War II.
Valley of the Shadow: Two Communities in the American Civil War
Take a closer look at the Civil War with this extensive database that offers a comparison of two Shenandoah Valley counties—Augusta County, VA and Franklin County, PA.
Selected Civil War Photographs
Explore more than 1,000 Civil War photographs.
Atlantic Slave Trade and Slave Life in the Americas: A Visual Record
Showcases more than 1,230 images depicting the enslavement of Africans, the Atlantic Slave Trade, and slave life in the New World.
Our Documents
Presents 100 milestone documents in American history, from the Richard Henry Lee Resolution of June 7, 1776, to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Documents in Law, History, and Government
Houses more than 3,500 full-text documents addressing the legal, economic, and political history of the U.S.
Archive of Early American Images
Collects more than 4,000 images from books created in Europe between 1492 and 1825.