More than 600,000 Americans gave their lives for their country in the Civil War (1861-1865); more than any other war in our history. Although the North prevailed over the South, the grief and bitterness caused by the violence healed very …[Continue]
Independence Day
Happy Birthday America! Today’s holiday assortment includes a look at our early American history, with a special focus on the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution, along with a Fourth of July craft and activity page especially for the …[Continue]
Native Americans
Some researchers believe that the first people to arrive in the Americas came from Asia 15,000 years ago. Others say that people arrived here as early as 35,000 years ago. Now called Indians or Native Americans, these people formed many …[Continue]
Underground Railroad
The term “underground railroad” was first used around 1830 to describe the loosely organized system that helped thousands of black American slaves escape to the northern states and Canada. The most heavily traveled routes ran through Ohio, Indiana and western …[Continue]
World War II: Air Force Stories
Armistice Day (November 11th) was originally created to honor the veterans of World War I. But in 1954 its name was changed to Veterans Day and its purpose was extended to all veterans. Today’s Veterans Day cyber tour looks at …[Continue]
Women’s Suffrage
Today’s lesson takes us back to western New York, circa 1848, when the first American women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls. The participants signed a “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions” that outlined the main issues and goals for …[Continue]
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States, led our nation through its greatest crisis, the Civil War. He helped end slavery and helped reunite our country. [Editor’s Note: A more recent version of this topic can be found …[Continue]
Ellis Island
Today’s online field trip takes us to Ellis Island, which served as the portal to almost all American immigrants arriving between 1892 and 1954. Although some were turned away, 98 percent of those examined at Ellis Island were allowed into …[Continue]
Pocahontas
Was Pocahontas a brave young women who defied her father to save the life of Chief John Smith? Or is the story simply a myth, given new credence by Disney, that strengthens our simplistic perception of good Indians and bad …[Continue]
Christopher Columbus
“In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” And his arrival in the West Indies led to enduring links between Europe and the Americas. In the early years of our nation’s history, Christopher Columbus was raised to hero …[Continue]
