Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem Homepage"

War of 1812

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:48:50 GMT

This website discusses the major events of the War of 1812, including the burning of Washington, and the battles of Fort McHenry and New Orleans. Students will learn from images and objects in the Museum's collections to shed light on the conflict that gave the country a new symbol, the Star-Spangled Banner, and a new hero, Andrew Jackson. This website is part of the online exhibition, The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. A non-flash version of this site is available: The War of 1812.

Making the Star-Spangled Banner Homepage

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:30:19 GMT

In this activity, children will learn the story of the flag that inspired the national anthem. An OurStory module entitled Making the Star-Spangled Banner, the resource includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings. OurStory is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources will allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:53:23 GMT

This website from the National Park Service is a helpful resource for anyone who is interested in visiting Fort McHenry or learning more about it. A photo gallery and brief historical essays describe the fort, its defenders and the various roles that Fort McHenry has played in different periods of American history, from its construction to the present day. Kids and teachers sections include lesson plans, field trip planning guides and suggested activities for visitors.

Treasures of the Library of Congress: The Star-Spangled Banner

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:08:09 GMT

This resource includes images of a rare, first print edition of the Star-Spangled Banner sheet music that combines words and music as well as a hand-written copy of the Star-Spangled Banner poem by Francis Scott Key. These primary sources are included in the Library of Congress' online exhibition entitled American Treasures of the Library of Congress.

Preparing for the Oath: Symbols & Holidays

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:46:56 GMT

Discover America’s key symbols and holidays through short videos, mini-activities, and practice questions in this segment of Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. The seven questions included in this segment cover topics such as national holidays, the American flag, the national anthem, and the Statue of Liberty.

This site was designed with the needs of recent immigrants in mind. It is written at a “low-intermediate” ESL level.