OurStory is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through children’s literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.  Each OurStory module examines a moment in American history through a work of historical fiction and related activities and includes a

Almost all Americans have family histories that trace back to other countries. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring the experiences of immigrants who came to America and the ways that immigration has changed life in America through children's literature, museum o

Robert Smalls was born a slave in South Carolina, but made a daring escape to freedom on the ship CSS Planter and joined the Union in fighting to end slavery in America. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring one aspect of the Civil War. Focused on actively reading

Use or create maps to explore your local area, along with discussion tips for kids and families. Part of an OurStory module entitled Full Steam to Freedom, this activity includes strategies for using online maps or making your own map of a trip and tips for making the most of those exper

Seven Miles to Freedom is a book about Robert Smalls, a man who was born a slave in South Carolina, but made a daring escape to freedom on the ship CSS Planter and joined the Union in fighting to end slavery in America. Part of an OurStory module entitled Full Steam to Freedom,

Explore the Web to dive deeper into the story of Robert Smalls, escaped slave and fighter for the Union cause during the Civil War. Part of an OurStory module entitled Full Steam to Freedom, this activity includes recommended web resources, tips for using picnic or Microsoft PowerPo

Take a close look at two newspaper articles and a children's book telling the story of an escaped slave-compare the stories they tell to uncover the perspectives they represent. Part of an OurStory module entitled Full Steam to Freedom, this activity includes transcripts of two Civil War

Railroads have moved people and cargo around America for more than 180 years. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring the history of trains in America. Focused on actively reading Jingle the Brass, a historical fiction picture book about a ride on a steam l

See one of America's earliest steam locomotives, the John Bull, come to life while riding the rails. Part of an OurStory module entitled All Aboard the Train!, this activity includes strategies that will help adults and children actively view a 4-minute video of the John Bull in

Jingle the Brass is a book about a young boy who learns words used by railroad workers of the steam-engine era while on an exciting train trip. Part of an OurStory module entitled All Aboard the Train!, this activity includes strategies that will help adults and children activel