Resources
57th Inauguration
Vote: The Machinery of Democracy
Online exhibition that looks at the history of voting methods in the United States, which are as varied as the individual states and their local election districts. “Vote: The Machinery of Democracy” explores how ballots and voting systems have evolved over the years as a response to [...]Civil Rights
Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963
Highlights the “Changing America” exhibit, with additional education resources available.Winning the Vote for Women
This OurStory module from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled Winning the Vote for Women, includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings related to the topic of women's suffrage.“Women of our Time” Exhibition Website
In this online exhibition, explore photographs of some of twentieth-century America's famous and influential women.Civil Rights
VIDEO: The Story Behind the Emancipation Proclamation
Smithsonian Magazine article and video highlighting “The Story Behind the Emancipation Proclamation” with National Museum of African American History and Culture Director.Civil Rights
America’s New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
This online exhibition features a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and 10 letters expressing Lincoln's views on emancipation and the conclusion of the Civil War.Courage at the Greensboro Lunch Counter
Smithsonian Magazine article spotlighting four college students sat down to request lunch service at a North Carolina Woolworth's and ignited a struggle.History Explorer Podcast: Freedom Songs
Hear Chris Wilson, the Museum’s Director of the Program in African American History and Culture, discuss the use of freedom songs during the civil rights movement.Civil Rights
“Let Your Motto Be Resistance” Exhibition Website
This is an exhibition of photographic portraits of prominent African Americans.“The Struggle for Justice” Exhibition Website
This exhibition showcases major cultural and political figures—from key 19th-century historical figures to contemporary leaders—who struggled to achieve civil rights for disenfranchised or marginalized groups.Civil Rights
Sing for Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through its Songs
Smithsonian Folkways - Sing For Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its SongsCivil Rights
Smithsonian Source
Explore the variety of teaching strategies and guidelines, lesson plans and document-based questions (DBQs), and information about museum objects and other primary sources.Civil Rights
African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, and Beyond
Online exhibition of African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, and Beyond. This slideshow has 79 images. Click the arrows at either end of the group to see the next group. You can also navigate clicking on the dotted line under the groups. Click on the images to get a [...]Hirshhorn Museum ARTLAB+
Video: Smithsonian Immigration / Migration Initiative
VIDEO: A team of ARTLAB+ teens filmed video interviews at the 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day, asking festival goers to talk about their family roots.Immigration/Migration
Blog: A fascination with shoes
Blog post highlighting the rehousing and storage of onsite collections, including Frank G. Carpenter’s collection of shoes from around the globe.Blog: Telling the Story of Immigration through Objects
Blog post highlighting the recent donation of objects that tell the story of two young girls, Mariela and Maria Isabel, who journeyed with their family from Cuba to the United States in 1964.BLOG: “A tiny yellow doll’s shirt: telling the story of immigration through objects”
Blog post from the National Museum of American History chronicles the donation of objects that tell the story of two young girls, Mariela and Maria Isabel, who journeyed with their family from Cuba to the United States in 1964.National Museum of African American History and Culture
VIDEO: The Story Behind the Emancipation Proclamation
Smithsonian Magazine article and video highlighting “The Story Behind the Emancipation Proclamation” with National Museum of African American History and Culture Director.National Museum of American History
America’s New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
This online exhibition features a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and 10 letters expressing Lincoln's views on emancipation and the conclusion of the Civil War.Blog: A fascination with shoes
Blog post highlighting the rehousing and storage of onsite collections, including Frank G. Carpenter’s collection of shoes from around the globe.Blog: Telling the Story of Immigration through Objects
Blog post highlighting the recent donation of objects that tell the story of two young girls, Mariela and Maria Isabel, who journeyed with their family from Cuba to the United States in 1964.National Portrait Gallery
Civil War 150
Online exhibition dedicated to examining the Civil War through the Smithsonian Institution's extensive collections. Includes uniforms, equipment, weapons, paintings, and photographs of the war's most celebrated personalities organized by topic as well as a timeline of the war and additional [...]
George Washington: A National Treasure
Comprehensive study of the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Features an interactive guide pointing to the symbolic, biographic, and artistic elements of the painting, a biography of Washington’s life, kids’ activities, teachers’ guides, family tips, and tour details.
Herblock’s Presidents: “Puncturing Pomposity”
Online exhibition that contains Block's original drawings of presidential cartoons from Franklin Roosevelt through Bill Clinton. The political cartoons of Herbert Block (1909–2001) appeared in American newspapers for more than seven decades under the pen name Herblock. .Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Sing for Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through its Songs
Smithsonian Folkways - Sing For Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its SongsThe Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide
Interviewing Guide: How to conduct an Oral History. Turn to members of your own family and community as key sources of history, culture, and tradition.Smithsonian Education
Book Activity: “Today I am Here”
Book Activity: “Today I am Here” book making instructions. Students design, write, and illustrate a book about their family history. They conduct age-appropriate research (e.g., family members, library, Internet) to complete an illustrated book that explains why “today I am here.”History and Heritage
Resource website, featuring Smithsonian Heritage Month Celebrations, Virtual Tours and Special Family Storybook Activities.
