Believe it or not, events from before 1900 still have a tremendous impact on modern society. Dive into how events before 1900 continue to shape today's world with our module, “Prelude to a Global Era".
While the federal constitution is usually given pride of place in our national narrative, individual state constitutions continue to be the driving force behind our national debates. This exhibition is an invitation to learn how "we the people" are the framers of our constitions.
The events that occurred at our nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021 are not only shocking in today’s world, but also generated comparisons to previous episodes from history. As images, video clips, and news reports filled social media feeds, they invited comparisons to previous historical events and inquiries about connections to the past. Many of […]
Presidential inaugurations are meaningful moments in our country’s political history. When a new president is elected in the fall, Americans watch on Inauguration Day as power transitions from one elected leader to another. Artifacts and documents in the Heinz History Center's collection offer a glimpse into this special day.
“The Good Fight: Oklahoma City Sit-Ins” tells the inspiring story of the Oklahoma City sit-in movement, which started in 1958. You’ll learn how students used non-violent protests to help end segregation in public places (like restaurants) across Oklahoma. It even includes interviews with sit-in participants! Best to access this resource on desktop (not mobile).
In this activity, you will examine the impact of westward expansion and settlement on Native American communities following the Civil War. You will explore a variety of documents to get a sense of the issues faced by Native Americans due to settlement and U.S. Government Indian policy.
Ending slavery in America required so much more than official declarations and battlefield victories. Freedom gets built up over time—through a billion tiny, everyday acts. It’s there in the chance to enlist and fight for a cause. It’s there in the effort to reunite families torn apart by the cruelty of slave trading. It’s there […]
Stone on Stone: Sing Sing Stories lets you experience and learn about the extraordinary history of Sing Sing. We’ve curated six digital galleries of historic images, recordings, readings and video for you to explore. Also, for the first time, you can experience the historic 1825 Cellblock as well a 19th century prison cell in 3D.
Interested in the debate about Confederate monuments in the United States? Check out this guide designed by the Atlanta History Center which offers resources about researching different monuments. You'll learn how to better understand who erected the monument, when, and why, in order to inform thoughtful discussions.
Slavery is fundamental to the American story. Monticello is simultaneously a place to remember, a place to mourn, and a place to inspire change. How can Monticello’s duality – the pain and beauty of one of America’s best-studied and preserved plantations – advance a national dialogue on race? What is the role of cultural monuments […]
Did the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution give all people the same rights? This might be a children’s story, but there are a lot of interesting questions to consider here - and ways for you to add your voice.
January 1, 2018 marked the 155th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. In celebration, the National Archives Foundation created this fun quiz about the document.