This engraving shows Hernán Cortés (1485 1547), the Spanish captain who headed the conquest of the Aztec Empire. He became a part of popular mythology the moment he arrived in Mexico in 1521. Cortés had spent time in Cuba killing and enslaving its indigenous inhabitants and administering the n

Produced by the Library of Virginia, this comprehensive website provides a cornucopia of great resources on Virginia history that are applicable for classes from every state.  Attractive and easy to use, this site features blog posts, maps, art works, historical documents, and a range of oth

During the colonial period, cattle horns were used by woodsmen and by soldiers for storing gunpowder in a safe, dry place. The horns also became decorative objects as they were personalized by the owner. Makers carved names, initials, dates, flags, battles, and even full maps on the exterior of t

This tile is from La Fortaleza, a military and government complex in San Juan built to defend the city from naval attacks. Construction began in 1533 and was finished in 1540. This tile resembles the Spanish ceramic style of Talavera, a tile factory established in the 16th century near the city o

Use artifacts and a historical letter to discuss George Washington’s leadership during the War of Independence and the qualities of great leaders. This lesson plan, which includes background information, full color primary sources, and a transcript of a letter about George Washington, was produ

This interactive Web site from Plimoth Plantation, a Smithsonian Affiliate, focuses on clarifying fact and fiction surrounding the "First Thanksgiving." Students use audio from Plimoth Plantation historians, images of artifacts, and a glossary to answer questions and explore the lives of the Wama

Use artifacts and historical literature to bring the War of Independence to life for elementary students.  By playing the "Who's in camp?" card game, students develop a deeper understanding of the many civilian and military roles that supported the War of Independence, then use their knowled

This silver wine cup belonged to Pilgrim leader and Mayflower passenger William Bradford, who governed Plymouth Colony for thirty years. Made for Bradford in London, the cup bears his initials on one side. The idea of America as a religious refuge originates with the Pilgrims, a group of E

Lydia Minturn Post, a Long Island patriot, expresses her fear that the American Revolution will fail. Ms. Post discusses the disparities between the British and Colonial forces and the true meaning behind the colonists will to fight. This video is part of the Price of Freedom learning reso

This online exhibition features approximately 100 objects from the Museum's collections to tell stories from the earliest days of America's colonial history through the 2008 presidential election. Each object is used as the starting point for a larger story about American history. The exhibition