Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Children Write to the President"

A Letter to Abraham Lincoln Homepage

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:26:56 GMT

In this OurStory module, children will read Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, a children's book that tells the story of Grace Bedell and the famous letter that she sent to Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration. 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.

Send a Lincoln Letter

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:07:30 GMT

Writing and receiving letters is fun! In 1860, Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln and took it to her local post office to mail it. A week later, a very special letter was waiting for her when she returned. In this resource, children will write a letter and then take it to the post office using helpful advice. Included in an OurStory module, entitled A Letter to Abraham Lincoln, this activity will encourage children to write letters to friends and family as well as learn more about their local post office. 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 students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

Dear Mr. President

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:13:56 GMT

In this activity, students will analyze the letter Grace Bedell wrote to President Abraham Lincoln, then write and send their own letters to the president of the United States. This activity is included in an Ourstory module entitled A Letter to Abraham Lincoln. 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 students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

The President Has Many Roles

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:44:17 GMT

On June 29, 1950, President Truman performed all seven presidential jobs. In this activity, students will learn about the Presidency by looking at an excerpt of the President's schedule from that day and match the events with the correct role of the president. They will then see if they can match the presidential roles with objects from the exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden.

All the President's Children

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:41:52 GMT

In this activity, students will match clues with images of children who lived in the White House in order to learn about their lives as they lived in the presidential mansion. As part of the online exhibition, The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, this activity will help students understand more about the Presidency and life in the White House.

The President's Seal

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:11:25 GMT

Why does the Presidential seal look the way that it does? In this activity, students will be able to explore the symbolism on the Presidential seal, color the seal how they would like and then create a new seal! As part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's online exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, this activity will help students learn about an important national symbol.

The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden Homepage

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:43:08 GMT

This online exhibition examines the history of the American presidency. Through the use of objects from the museum's extensive collection, an interactive timeline and interactive activities, students will study the realities of the presidency, from its origins to the present, as well as the lives of the men who have held the office.