Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Maritime Nation 1800-1850"

On the Water: Stories from Maritime America Homepage

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:42:27 GMT

Students will understand the importance of maritime activity throughout the United States' history. Objects from the Museum's collections, audio and video clips, oral histories and narrative accounts provide a unique look into the maritime history of the United States. An interactive collections search, learning resources, and an extensive list of web links are included to extend the experience further. This online exhibition focuses on boats, ships and the lives of the men and women who lived, worked, traveled and died on them.

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.

War of Independence

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:37:36 GMT

Americans went to war to win their independence from Great Britain. Through the use of images and objects from the Museum's collections, students will learn about the involvement of colonial militias during the French and Indian War, the causes of the Revolution, life in the Continental Army, the major battles of the War of Independence, the participants on both sides of the conflict and the legacy of General George Washington. This website is part of the online exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. A non-flash version of the site is availalbe: The War of Independence.

Van Valen’s Gold Rush Journey

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:08:48 GMT

Investigate the authentic journal of Alex Van Valen, a man who set sail in 1849 to stake his claim in the California gold fields, to discover what life was like during the gold rush. This dynamic project from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History includes student questions to help guide research, rich primary sources, images of artifacts and background information. The student materials can be completed on paper or using the interactive PDF format that allows students to create beautiful publications from their research. The teacher guide includes suggested discussion questions for the introduction and conclusion classes, answers to the student questions, a sheet of Frequently Asked Questions about the gold rush journal, and a summary of what Smithsonian curators learned about the journal's author. Although intended as a project, elements of the site could also be used independently to develop historical research skills.