Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Jefferson Banner"

The Presidential Campaign Trail

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:53:48 GMT

Presidential campaigns, inaugurations and the expansion of voting rights are the topics covered in this section of the online exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden. Campaign items and posters will help students learn about methods and strategies that have been used by candidates to win election. They will also see how inaugurations have become public holidays when Americans celebrate their democratic customs. Finally, they will explore how minorities, women, the poor, and young adults fought to obtain the right to vote.

I Do Solemnly Swear… Presidential Inaugurations

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:45:40 GMT

This website, from the Library of Congress, is a collection of approximately 400 items or 2,000 digital files relating to inaugurations from George Washington's in 1789 to George W. Bush's inauguration of 2001. It includes diaries and letters of presidents and of those who witnessed inaugurations, handwritten drafts of inaugural addresses, broadsides, inaugural tickets and programs, prints, photographs, and sheet music. This site is a fantastic resource for both teacher and students, as it includes many primary source images and text regarding Presidential inaugurations.

A Brief History of Presidential Inaugurations

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:45:14 GMT

This section of the White House Historical Association's website provides a wonderful history of presidential inaugurations. Through the use of historical images and interesting anecdotal information, students will learn how inaugural ceremonies have changed from modest affairs to modern extravaganzas. Also included at the end of the online exhibition is an entertaining trivia quiz that helps students review what has been learned.