Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Blog Post: Hallowe’en? Putting the Apostrophe Back"

Day of the Dead

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:05:00 GMT

This online exhibition provides information that will help students learn the origins of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), how it was been celebrated traditionally and how it is being celebrated now. The exhibition includes links to online resources as well as printable classroom-ready resources including: a fact sheet, lesson plans for grades K-2 and 6-8, and a user's guide that includes the text of the online exhibition, more lesson ideas and instructions for making decorations for the celebration. Also included is an online interactive in which students can decorate their own virtual altar.

Day of the Dead Festival

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:06:02 GMT

Learn different aspects of Día de los Muertos and how it is celebrated and practiced. The Smithsonian Latino Center (SLC) presents a Dia de los Muertos 3D experience in the Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum (LVM) illustrating customs and beliefs varying from ancient Mesoamerica to those currently practiced in today's Latino culture. Join the SLC in celebrating and exploring Latino cultural heritage through this holiday for honoring the dead and the cycle of life and death.

Blog Post: American History Told Through Squash

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:57:14 GMT

Explore the role of squash in early American history, beyond its common use as fall decor. As a natively grown vegetable cultivated by the Wampanoag Indians, squash holds a special place in American history. There are dozens of squash varieties, ranging in shape, size, and color. Squash have a long relationship with human civilization, with seeds dating back 12,000 years ago found in Ecuadorian caves.