Civic Season

Intertwined: The Enslaved Community at George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Podcast)
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | George Washington’s Mount Vernon, United States
Intertwined tells the story of the more than 577 people enslaved by George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon. Told through the biographies of Sambo Anderson, Davy Gray, William Lee, Kate, Ona Judge, Nancy Carter Quander, Edmund Parker, Caroline Branham, and the Washingtons, this eight-part podcast series explores the lives and labors of Mount Vernon’s enslaved community, and how we interpret slavery at the historic site today.
Intertwined is narrated by Brenda Parker. It is co-created and co-written by Jeanette Patrick and Jim Ambuske. The series is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and CD Squared.

History Film Forum: The People vs. Agent Orange
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Smithsonian National Museum of American History, United States
Nearly 60 years following the use of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War, the devastating aftereffects of the toxin remain lethal. This film follows two activists – Tran To Nga and Carol Van Strum – as they take on the chemical industry. Demanding accountability, they work to mitigate the deadly legacy caused by using this poisonous herbicide in their communities.

Presented by Smithsonian Associate and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History through the generous support of Dan Manatt and Democracy Films.

Frances Brand's "Firsts" exhibit at The Center at Belvedere
2099-01-01 00:00 (Pacific/Niue) | Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, United States
Frances Brand was an eccentric artist and activist in Charlottesville, VA during the later 20th century. Between 1974 and 1978, Brand painted 157 portraits of individuals she met and admired in the area. She referred to them as the “Firsts.” The subjects included notable women, civil rights leaders, pioneers in various fields, and those who broke color lines and shattered glass ceilings.
From July 1 to August 31, 2022, enjoy the exhibit “Firsts” from the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society at The Center at Belvedere. Look for programs exploring Brand’s art from ACHS and The Center through the summer.

Come See Steel City - Solidarity Between Union Leaders and a Community
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | History Colorado’s El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union Ave., Pueblo, CO, 81003, United States
Explore the power of solidarity among union and community members in Pueblo, Colorado. The exhibition “Steel City: 1980-2004” looks at individual and collective actions leading up to, during, and after a historic strike. Through oral histories, historic photographs, and newspaper clippings, experience the resilience of an industrial community through changing technology and economic forces.

Explore the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Freedom’s Way Heritage Asociation, Fort Devens, MA, United States
The interactive Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area website lets you explore the nature, culture and history of 45 communities in Massachusetts and Southern, NH. Discover the area’s involvement in the American Conservation Movement, American Revolution and Transcendentalism. Then, create your own personal itineraries featuring the people, places and stories that make Freedom’s Way unique!

30 Stories for 30 Years
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | American Independence Museum, United States
As the American Independence Museum marks its 30th anniversary, we are taking this opportunity to examine our interpretations of the past and introduce a 21st-century view of ten historic items in our collection. Each item presented includes a traditional interpretation and a contemporary interpretation to highlight the ways our understanding of history has evolved over time. By revisiting these interpretations, we are expanding the story to include Americans who have not always received recognition. We hope that this exhibition will show you how one object can tell many different stories.

Listening with Empathy and Humility
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | National Institute for Civil Discourse, United States
Essential to a functioning democracy are people that are engaged in it together and willing to interact, discuss and safely debate the richness of diverse ideas and experiences with each other. One of the key elements to engaging with each other? Building understanding across differences, grounded in deep listening and empathy.
“Listening with Empathy and Humility” offers short videos with tips to help us engage differences constructively. It offers hope and insights with wisdom from the voices of everyday Americans, across race, age and political ideology.

American Indian Resistance to American Settler Colonialism in the Midwest
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
American Indians developed several strategies to retain their homelands and resist dispossession at the hands of the federal government. Dr. Patrick J. Jung discusses the strategies of American Indians in the Midwest including overt forms of resistance such as warfare to covert, anonymous forms of resistance.

Immigration: Has America always wanted 'your poor, your tired, your huddled masses'? “
2099-01-01 00:00 (Pacific/Niue) | State Historical Museum of Iowa, IA, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress asks, “has America always wanted ‘your poor, your tired, your huddled masses’? “
Immigration is as old as human history. People move from one place to another for many reasons. When migration occurs across a national border, it is called immigration. When relocation happens within the same country, it is termed emigration. Historians often attribute the movement to “push-pull” factors. Sometimes conditions at home become so dangerous or challenging that people are forced to move elsewhere. Wars, famines, economic issues or political oppression are often “push” factors encouraging people to seek safety or better conditions somewhere else. Sometimes opportunities in a new land attract newcomers. Cheap and fertile farmlands in the United States lured hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the latter 19th century. Political and religious freedom, good jobs and educational opportunities “pulled” many to America to seek a fresh start in the states.
You’ll reflect on the following questions:
How have laws regulating immigration changed over time?
How have responses and support for immigrants and refugees evolved over time?
How have attitudes or viewpoints about immigration changed over time?

Civics at the New York Public Library
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | The New York Public Library, NY, United States
Explore resources, events, and opportunities for civic engagement at the local, state, and national levels. This site will help you discover ways you can take action in your community!
Topics include Voter Education: Your Voice Matters, Civic Responsibility: Doing Your Part, Youth Empowerment + Activism: New Leaders, Community Building: Stronger Together, and Collections Engagement: Bringing History to Life.

#1 in Civil Rights Virtual Exhibit
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Missouri History Museum, United States
On September 22, 1964, a banner headline in The St. Louis American proclaimed St. Louis as the “Number One City in Civil Rights.” In the article, Judge Nathan B. Young argued that St. Louis—more than any other city in the US—was pre-eminent in the country’s struggle for civil rights based on the number of Supreme Court cases that originated in St. Louis and the city’s long history of protest that led to significant change.
Today the claim that St. Louis is the most important city in US civil rights history may seem surprising, but that’s because so much of St. Louis’s activist past has been forgotten. The country’s civil rights history has too often been written about a limited number of places during a limited period of time. In the process, cities such as St. Louis have largely been left out of the national narrative. “#1 in Civil Rights” reclaims that history.
This exhibit doesn’t aim to prove that St. Louis is the most important city in the country’s civil rights history, but it does argue that St. Louis’s freedom struggle is more substantive than is usually recognized—and that it’s too important to be ignored.
The content included in this digital experience was part of a larger exhibit entitled “#1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis.” The exhibit was created by the Missouri History Museum and was on display there from March 2017 to April 2018.

Over & Under: Wildlife Crossings
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Fourth Wall Films, United States
Why did the turtle cross the road? Better yet, HOW can a turtle cross a busy highway safely? Collisions between wildlife and automobiles are expensive, dangerous, and deadly for animals and people. “Over & Under: Wildlife Crossings” explores old and new methods that allow animals to move over or under our nation’s highways in search of food, shelter, and companionship. The stories behind two innovative and effective crossings for endangered turtles in Iowa and Wisconsin are featured, and the film makes a compelling case for the construction of wildlife crossings while it encourages motorists to do their part by minding “animal crossing” signs.

Camping While Black: African American Experiences in Iowa Summer Camps, 1925-1950
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, IA, United States
In the 1900s, summer camp was a quintessential part of American childhood. But not everyone had equal access to c camp. Explore the ways Black communities in the Midwest created opportunities for their children to attend residential summer camps with Dr. Sarah Eikleberry, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at St. Ambrose University.

Great Americans Award Program
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Smithsonian National Museum of American History, United States
The Great Americans Medal is awarded for lifetime contributions embodying American ideas and ideals. Explore the stories of each honoree through biographies and recorded interviews with David M. Rubenstein. Their inspiring stories empower people to create a just and compassionate future by exploring, preserving, and sharing the complexity of our past.
Previous honorees include Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Secretary Madeleine K. Albright, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired), Thomas J. Brokaw, Cal Ripken Jr., Billie Jean King, Paul Simon, and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Engaging Differences - Key Principles and Best Practices
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | National Institute for Civil Discourse, United States
Want to move our country towards a more perfect union? Start with engaging in conversations across differences to find common ground. This document provides several key principles and best practices that are essential to connecting across divides, including:

Empathy instead of vitriol
Listening for Understanding instead of hearing to overpower
Humility instead of all-knowing.

As you read them, consider reflecting on those that speak to you, or recall a compelling personal experience.

Around the World with World101
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | World101 from the Council on Foreign Relations, United States
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, World101 is celebrating #CivicsSeason with a TikTok trip around the world!
Make your way to World101’s TikTok channel and follow us before Tuesday, June 14th when we will be wheels up on our 193-part TikTok series, exploring all the countries that comprise this interconnected world we share. It’s our way of showcasing #GlobalCivics and why understanding the forces, actors, and history that shape modern global affairs is an essential part of twenty-first century citizenship.
For curious first-time fliers, World101’s TikTok channel is home to hundreds of fun, fact-checked micro-lessons about the world and how it works. Our viral video posts are remixes of World101, an award-winning learning platform from the Council on Foreign Relations that uses multimedia and jargon-free language to introduce students of all ages to the fundamentals of foreign policy and international relations.

Diverse Voices in Invention
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Smithsonian National Museum of American History, United States
Behind every invention, there is a story. Discover those stories here.
From Chinese-born scientist Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu who changed what we know about the atomic world to Garrett Morgan – known in his time as “the Black Edison” – this blog from the Lemelson Center explores how invention and innovation—past, present, and future—influence our lives.

Reform Movements in America
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress, asks how can citizens of a country affect change for the common good? The French commentator on American society in the 1830s, Alexis de Toqueville, observed that Americans are very quick to join together to promote whatever causes they favor, and there was certainly evidence around him. Reforms on many issues — temperance, abolition, prison reform, women’s rights, missionary work in the West — fomented groups dedicated to social improvements.
Students will reflect on the following questions:
What factors motivated antebellum reformers to take action?
What were the common strategies antebellum reformers used?
What did antebellum reformers achieve?

Learning about MLK, Racism, and Activism (for Educators and Caregivers)
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | National Museum of African American History and Culture, United States
If the complex concept of race, the deep history of racism, and the importance of activism is challenging for adults to understand — how do we share these stories and lessons with children? Use this guide to learn more about how children understand race and start conversations and activities about Martin Luther King, racism and activism.

Refugees in America
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress, asks should the United States accept refugees?
Since its earliest days as part of the United States, Iowa has a long history of being a destination for those from other countries to find a new home. Such newcomers are called immigrants. A special class of those are people fleeing wars, persecution or other dangers from their former homes. These immigrants are termed “refugees.” Like the larger class of immigrants, Iowa has confronted both the challenges and opportunities of accepting new arrivals as permanent residents
Students will reflect on the following questions:
How has America helped refugees in the past?
What has been Americans’ attitude towards refugees?
What are the possible risks associated with helping refugees?

Civil Rights: Before, During and After the World Wars
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress, asks should you fight for a country that is fighting against you? “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” That is the official motto of the state of Iowa. Liberties and rights refer to our freedoms to pursue our own goals, but they must balance those with the rights and liberties of others. Rights and liberties often deal with restrictions on what the government can do, but they also include what we can or cannot do to others.
Students will reflect on the following questions:
What is the story of the disenfranchised Iowans who contributed to Iowa’s effort during World War I?
Did their contribution to the war effort influence society’s beliefs about each of these groups of Iowans?
Did the public support these disenfranchised groups and their contributions to the war effort, or did they continue to treat these groups poorly?

African Americans and the Civil War
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress, asks, “how should the African-American story of the Civil War be told?” While slavery was the major issue separating the North and South, it was not slavery itself that sparked the conflict. The South wanted to secede from the Union, and the North refused. While President Abraham Lincoln personally opposed slavery, he recognized that it was legal under the U.S. Constitution at the time. He also recognized that few in the North were ready to go to war to free the slaves. For Lincoln and the northern majority, preservation of the Union was the foremost goal.
Students will reflect on the following questions:
How did President Abraham Lincoln and Congress’ approach to handling slavery evolve throughout the Civil War?
What contributions did enslaved people and free African Americans make to the Union war effort?
After a Union victory and the close of the war, what possibilities did the future hold for all African Americans?

Reflecting on the Reconstruction Era
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress asks, “did the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War result in freedom, equality and civil rights for African Americans?” The Reconstruction Era lasted from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to 1877. Its main focus was on bringing the southern states back into full political participation in the Union, guaranteeing rights to former slaves and defining new relationships between African Americans and whites. While very little fighting occurred on Iowa soil and Iowa had never legalized slavery, black migration of former slaves into the region and the national focus on civil rights forced Iowa to reconsider its own racial relations.
Students will reflect on the following questions:How free were African Americans during Reconstruction?Were African Americans considered equal members of society and treated as such?How much political power did African Americans have during Reconstruction?

Reconstruction and Its Impact on Human Rights
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress asks, “was Reconstruction a success?” The Reconstruction Era lasted from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to 1877. Its main focus was on bringing the southern states back into full political participation in the Union, guaranteeing rights to former slaves and defining new relationships between African Americans and whites. While very little fighting occurred on Iowa soil and Iowa had never legalized slavery, black migration of former slaves into the region and the national focus on civil rights forced Iowa to reconsider its own racial relations.
Students will reflect on the following questions:
How did the presidential election of 1876 end Reconstruction?
How did the U.S. Supreme Court originally interpret the Constitution’s Reconstruction amendments?
How did the South restore white supremacy after the fall of Reconstruction?

Women's Suffrage Movement
2099-01-01 00:00 (Pacific/Niue) | State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress asks, “why did it take so long for women to get the right to vote?” Sex and gender are two different concepts. Sex refers to biological differences while gender relates to the roles and expectations culture assigns to each group. Every culture struggles with adjusting the roles of men and women to secure a just and harmonious society. Several factors like religion, science, tradition and technology influence gender roles. By tradition, men had near exclusive domination of politics in the United States, but that began to change in the 19th century with increasing urbanization, educational opportunities for women and changes in home responsibilities.
Reflect on the following questions:
What attitudes about their gender and expected role in society did women need to overcome to gain the right to vote?
What tactics did suffragists use to convince society they deserved the right to vote?
What impact did the 19th Amendment have on women and their government?

The Impact of George Washington Carver's Travel to Iowa
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
This webinar discusses how Iowa was a turning point in George Washington Carver’s life. Happenstance brought him to Iowa with a here-and-there education, but he was a determined, educated young man when he left for Tuskegee University.

Emir Abd el-Kader’s Life, Legacy and Connection to Elkader, Iowa
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, IA, United States
This webinar focused on Elkader and its fascinating namesake Emir Abd el-Kader, known as the so-called “George Washington of Algeria”. Watch to learn more about Emir Abd el-Kader’s life, legacy and his impact on Iowa.

Rediscovering Heroes, Heroines & Helpers on Central Iowa's Underground Railroad
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
Learn about the Underground Railroad in Iowa, with a focus on the Jordan House in West Des Moines, as well as the Forever Free program which introduces the heroes, heroines and helpers of the Underground Railroad in central Iowa.

Learn About the History of Redlining in Iowa
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, IA, United States
In this episode of Iowa History 101, “Redlining in Iowa,” experts Kendyl Larson and Felicite Wolfe discuss the history of redlining in Iowa and its impact.

Black Migration In Iowa
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, IA, United States
In this session, genealogist Ricki King presents a journey of Iowa’s Black history, starting with Iowa’s statehood, that illustrates some of the reasons why families and individuals moved to Iowa, moved around Iowa, left Iowa, returned to Iowa and then left again.
