Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Camera Creativity and Collaboration"

Reading Ballet for Martha

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:54:55 GMT

Use this guide to actively read Ballet for Martha an award-winning work of children's literature about the collaboration of three artists to create an American masterpiece. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes discussion prompts, a glossary, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

An American Story in Dance and Music Homepage

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:29:04 GMT

In 1943, Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi created Appalachian Spring, a ballet that told the story of an American pioneer community. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring this history through children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around Ballet for Martha an award-winning work of children's literature about the collaboration of three artists to create an American masterpiece, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

A Visual Journey: Photographs by Lisa Law 1965-1971

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:09:27 GMT

Lisa Law's photographs provide glimpses into the folk and rock music scenes, California's blossoming counterculture, and the family-centered and spiritual world of commune life in New Mexico. In this online resource, students will examine themes from the 1960's counterculture. At the bottom of each page, students can view a timeline of pivotal events in American history and popular culture from 1963 to 1973.

The Bracero Archive-Learning From Photos

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:24:07 GMT

In this activity, one of three on the Bracero Archive website, students will discuss their thoughts on immigration, learn about the Bracero labor program, and use photographs to develop deeper understandings of the Bracero labor program.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is part of a consortium of museums, universities, and cultural institutions documenting and preserving the history of the bracero program, a little-known chapter of American history in which an estimated two million Mexican men came to the United States between 1942-1964 on short-term labor contracts.

Understanding Historical Photos

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:28:51 GMT

This resource will help students understand how to analyze historical photos to better understand the intentions of those who took them. Every photograph is both truthful and deceptive. These images were selected to illustrate some of the intricacies in reading historical photographs. This activity is included in the online exhibition entitled Whatever Happened to Polio?