In this brief video, curators Harry Rubenstein and Larry Bird share key objects from the political history collection representing inaugurations and presidential campaigns dating back to the early 1800s.  See how objects are stored and continuity and change in campaign and inaugural material

Studying the American presidency offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore the democratic political process and to deepen their understanding of how this process fits into the whole of American history. While learning about subjects as diverse as campaigns, the media, and presidentia

This ambrotype portrait of Mea-to-sa-bi-tchi-a, or Smutty Bear, a Yankton Dakota, is among the first photographic images of Native Americans. Smutty Bear was part of a large Native American delegation that came to Washington, D.C., during the winter of 1857–58. Under duress, members of the dele

In this archived webcast related to Ken Burns’s film The Dust Bowl, thousands of high school students joined in a national dialogue regarding the Dust Bowl’s legacy on both the environment and the culture of the United States. Students discussed the importance of environmental awaren

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring changed the way people thought about their relationship to nature. Warning readers of the impact of man-made pesticides on birds, insects, and other wildlife, Carson’s book caused a firestorm of public responses and is considered by some experts

Discuss the story of the Dust Bowl through images from photographer Arthur Rothstein, through song with Woody Guthrie's Dust Bowl ballads, and through text writings from President Roosevelt and farmer Caroline Henderson.  Then, challenge students to consider modern environmental issues with

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

In this lesson, students will examine the difference between history and memory by debating the legacy of John Brown.  Using video clips of an actor playing Brown, students are invited to debate his actions and determine how history should remember him.  The video segments are also avai

In this online exhibition, students will learn how Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere), an American medical philanthropic organization, has impacted global health care. Currently, Project HOPE's education programs in southern Africa, Latin America, Central Europe and disadva

While training for combat on the fields of Yale University in 1917, Private J. Robert Conroy found a brindle puppy with a short tail. He named him Stubby, and soon the dog became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He learned the bugle calls, the drills, and even a modified do