As COVID-19 deaths spiked in 2020, Suzanne Firstenberg’s public art installation "In America: How could this happen…"
Interactives & Media
Grade Range:
5-8
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Duration:
13 minutes
Date Posted:
12/31/2010
In this episode of the History Explorer podcast series, Ken Kimery, Executive Producer of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, discusses the career of jazz musician Mary Lou Williams and the value of studying jazz in American history. The teacher guide includes discussion questions an
Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
13 minutes
Date Posted:
4/2/2012
When John Jea joined a ship’s crew in 1806, he was not prepared for the dangerous conditions, hard work, and preparation necessary for life at sea. Listen to a dramatic reading of his narrative, and then study the supporting primary sources to answer the discussion questions. This resourc
Grade Range:
5-8
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Duration:
13 minutes
Date Posted:
11/22/2010
In this episode of the History Explorer podcast series, numismatics curator Karen Lee discusses the history and meaning of the dollar, including unusual items that have been used to represent the dollar in the U.S., and discusses the value of studying money. The teacher guide incl
Grade Range:
6-8
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media
Duration:
13 minutes
Date Posted:
7/25/2012
Learn about the history of predicting weather in the United States from actor Dwayne Starlin playing Joseph Henry, first secretary of the Smithsonian. Henry played a crucial role in creating a weather prediction service in the United States that became the National Weather Service. Th
Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
1/11/2013
In this episode of the History Explorer podcast, we go behind the "seams" to explore the many layers of the Museum’s latest acquisition—Elphaba’s dress from the Broadway Musical Wicked, which gave a new spin on L. Frank Baum’s well known book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Grade Range:
K-5
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
5/28/2010
Watch four short videos to learn about the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the National Anthem. During the presentation, Mary Pickersgill (a historical figure with a fictional monologue) is working on a garrison flag to fly over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. She speaks abo
Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
4/6/2012
Maria Isabel Solis Thomas moved across the country to work in a shipyard on the World War II home front. Listen to her story, and then study the supporting primary sources to answer the discussion questions. This resource is part of a series called “Maritime Voices: Merchant Mariners and
Grade Range:
6-8
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
8/20/2012
The first Olympic Games began in 776 BC, but the Olympic Games as we know them today started much later—the 19th century. Learn about the surprising beginnings of the modern Olympic Games and how much has changed since with curator Eric Jentsch. The resource set includes a teacher guide a
Grade Range:
6-8
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
3/28/2012
In this episdoe of the History Explorer podcast series, curator Steven Turner discusses the work and shop of Henry Fitz, America's first commercially successful telescope manufacturer. The resource includes an image-enhanced podcast, teachers guide, student worksheet, and image pack.
Grade Range:
6-12
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Duration:
12 minutes
Date Posted:
4/2/2012
Olaudah Equiano’s first-person account recalls his terrifying journey as an 11-year-old captive aboard a slave ship from Africa to Barbados in 1756. Listen to a dramatic reading of his narrative, and then study the supporting primary sources to answer the discussion questions. This resource is
