The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the challenges facing American democracy and then spur a conversation around suggestions for revitalizing civic engagement and strengthening democratic values.
Meet Richard St. George – Theatrical Performance
Developed for the Museum’s exhibit, Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, this 20-minute performance provides viewers with an opportunity to consider the opinions and experiences of someone who chose to fight for the British against uprisings in both North America and Ireland. Learners can also explore the evergreen online exhibit
Washington’s Field Headquarters – Virtual Tour
To win the Revolutionary War, General George Washington needed the support of thousands of people with varying skills and perspectives. Using Washington’s sleeping and office tent, which survives at the Museum of the American Revolution, and replicas of this and his other military “equipage” as its starting point, this experience explores the experience at camp
Through Their Eyes – Teacher Resource Guide
Built to support the Through Their Eyes core museum student experience, as well as use of the Virtual Tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, this teacher resource guide features modular activities of varying lengths, types, and purposes to encourage student thinking and discussion. High quality images, worksheets, and more engage students around themes
Virtual Tour of the Museum of the American Revolution
Use this virtual tour of the core galleries of the Museum of the American Revolution to explore the dynamic late 18th century through four guiding questions: How do people become Revolutionaries? How did the Revolution Survive its darkest hour? How Revolutionary was the war? What kind of nation did the Revolution create? Along the way,
Season of Independence – Online Interactive Map and Timeline
Mirroring an in-museum resource, this interactive online map and timeline tracks statements of support for independence across the 13 American colonies in rebellion over time, while placing those colonies in larger geographic context. Throughout, it presents the voices of those who supported independence, disagreed, and hoped to avoid a war altogether. Use the accompanying classroom
Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia – Virtual Exhibit Tour
During the Revolutionary War, James Forten – a young man of African descent born free in Philadelphia – served on a privateer ship to support the Revolutionary cause. Afterwards, he and his family fought to encourage the new nation to live up to its revolutionary ideals. Use the materials in this online exhibit, supported by
When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776-1807 – Online Exhibit
Between 1776 and 1807, women and free people of African descent were legally allowed to vote in New Jersey if they met a property-ownership requirement. Through primary source documents, high-quality images of artifacts and historical objects, and interviews with historians, this exhibit explores a little-known moment in the history of the Revolutionary era, how the
Co-Creating Resilient Group Norms
This activity aids in establishing explicit standards describing what students can expect to experience in a classroom and how they’re expected to participate.
Speed-Mingling Icebreaker
Trust-building is an important foundation before engaging in deeper discussion topics. This icebreaker activity will help students feel more connected.