Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Ocean Crossings 1870-1969"

Coming to America

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:44:17 GMT

Almost all Americans have family histories that trace back to other countries. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring the experiences of immigrants who came to America and the ways that immigration has changed life in America through children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around Feivel’s Flying Horses, a historical fiction picture book about an immigrant who comes to America in the 1800’s, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

Preparing for the Oath: A Growing Nation

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:42:04 GMT

Explore the history of the peopling of America through short videos, mini-activities, and practice questions in this segment of Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. The eight questions included in this segment cover topics such as American Indians, British colonists, slavery, westward expansion, and immigration.

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

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.

On the Water Collection Search

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:17:33 GMT

This interactive collection search contains objects that are featured in the exhibition On the Water: Stories from Maritime America. Representing a broad sweep of American maritime history, these objects were collected over more than a century and reflect broad patterns of technological, economic, social, and cultural change.

Working on the Ocean Liner Leviathan

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:30:49 GMT

Students can view objects related to working on the ocean liner Leviathan, one of the largest and most popularly recognizable passenger ships on the Atlantic in the 1920s and 1930s. This reference page is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

Transportation History Videos

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:24:36 GMT

Three short videos provide an overview of American transportation history in three different eras: 1800-1900, 1900-1950, and 1950-2000. These videos are included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

Transatlantic Souvenirs

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:44:57 GMT

Students can view objects relating to the steamship Leviathan, the largest American passenger ship of the 1920s and 1930s. This reference page is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

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.