Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "The Civil War"

America's New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:02:05 GMT

Through the use of downloadable images of the original documents and 4 brief videos using Lincoln's words to answer questions about the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, students will learn how Abraham Lincoln struggled with the same questions that many Americans had about the causes and costs of the bloodiest struggle in American history. This online exhibition features a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and 10 letters expressing Lincoln's views on emancipation and the conclusion of the Civil War.

The Gettysburg Address

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:10:36 GMT

This website focuses on the last handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address, a manuscript that usually resides out of the public eye in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White house. Also included to help students further explore this important document are a printable version of the manuscript, transcripts in both English and Spanish and an interactive document that features actor Liam Neeson reading the entire address.

Americans at War Collection Search

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:07:40 GMT

Students can use this online collection search to explore hundreds of artifacts related to America's military history. The objects are part of an online exhibition, The Price of Freedom: Americans at War.

John Brown's Legacy

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:19:53 GMT

In this lesson, students will examine primary sources to understand John Brown’s actions in Harpers Ferry and will develop a creative project on his legacy. This resource was produced to accompany the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Voices of Bull Run

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:32:40 GMT

This unit will introduce the first major clash in the Civil War--the Battle of Bull Run--and encourage students to consider the perspectives of ordinary citizens of the North and the South and the impact of this battle on their lives. The activities are based on the award-winning young adult novel Bull Run by Paul Fleischman.

Gateway to the 19th Century: The William Steinway Diary Homepage

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:21:59 GMT

Beginning eight days after the first shots of the American Civil War were fired and three days before his wedding, William Steinway’s remarkable diary bears witness to one of the most dynamic periods in American history. This website examines the life of William Steinway and the display of his diary at the Smithsonian.

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War Homepage

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:06:40 GMT

Americans have gone to war to win their independence, expand their national boundaries, define their freedoms, and defend their interests around the globe. This online exhibition examines how wars have shaped the nations' history and transformed American society. Students will learn about American military history through the use of an interactive timeline, brief movies, and objects from the museum's vast collections. Also included are a collection search, an interactive game, and learning resources.

Who Am I? A History Mystery

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:05:24 GMT

In this interactive game, students select a mystery character from the Civil War and examine objects that hold the key to their identity, video footage, first person reenactments, oral history interviews, and lesson plans. This resource was developed in conjunction with the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War.

The Caldwell Family and the Battle Against Slavery

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:37:56 GMT

Students can learn about the Caldwell's and the anti-slavery movement by investigating a room from their house, a newspaper article from 1839, and artifacts from the period. Josiah and Lucy Caldwell believed in the moral power of home and family, and their beliefs inspired a radical mission. The Caldwells were local leaders in the international struggle to end slavery. In 1822, they bought the Ipswich, Massachusetts house that is the focus of Within These Walls, an online exhibition.

West Point Graduates During the Civil War and Reconstruction

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:04:44 GMT

The Civil War forced West Point graduates to make difficult choices regarding family and friends, and regional and national loyalties. Whether they fought for the North or the South, West Pointers played major roles during the era of Civil War and Reconstruction. Students will learn about the roles that these men played during this pivotal and divisive period. West Point Graduates During the Civil War and Reconstruction is part of the online exhibition West Point in the Making of America.

National Youth Summit: Abolition

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:41:16 GMT

In this webcast, a historian of 19th century slavery and slave literature, the Ambassador of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the US Department of State, the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass, and a high school student activist joined together with high school students from around the country and the world in a moderated panel discussion to reflect upon the abolition movement of the 19th century and explore its lessons for modern-day slavery and human trafficking. The program featured excerpts from the AMERICAN EXPERIENCE documentary The Abolitionists. A conversation kit with discussion questions and lessons to prepare for the webcast is available here.

History Explorer Podcast: Women's Military History

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:13:46 GMT

In this episode of History Explorer, curators Bart Hacker and Margaret Vining discuss the roles that women have played in the military throughout history, their research, and the 2013 announcement of a policy to allow women in combat. The resource set includes a teacher guide, student worksheet, and related images.