The Diary of George Templeton Strong

The New York Times' Disunion is commemorating the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with daily articles that trace the progression of the war. Of particular interest are the excerpts from George Templeton Strong's diary. His detailed accounts can give students a perspective of what it would have been like to live through the war.

The Underground Railroad: Escape from Slavery

A recommendation from a Back to History colleague - this interactive site takes you on the journey of slaves who chose to attempt escape through the underground railroad network.

George Washington Summer Residential Teachers' Institute

The George Washington Teachers' Institute is a highly competitive program which brings teachers to Mount Vernon, Virginia for an intensive week of study at Washington's home. Participating teachers immerse themselves in the study and discussion of this critical period of American history and the remarkable role George Washington played in the founding of our nation. 

All teachers accepted into the institute receive a travel stipend of up to $350 and reside on the grounds of Washington's home. Participants are required to complete one lesson plan for dissemination to teachers across the nation on the Mount Vernon website, and perform one in-service for colleagues in their home district or state. 

Applications for Ohio teachers are due by March 7, 2011.

Reconstruction

hi everyone! In our chat last Thursday we talked about African-American voting rights after the Civil War and into the 20th century. I was trying to find this link during our chat, but didn't get to it until after. This is one of my favorite political Cartoons about this time period:

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/images/at0082_6bs.jpg

On another note, I know Kristina sent out an email with the link to http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/, but I wanted to emphasize the resources they have available for teachers. They have a link on the site with a ton of lesson plans, many that I've used in class! I have tweaked a couple of them for use in both my government and AP government classes and the students have always really enjoyed viewing the commercials. We have done whole classroom activities, and also individual activities--I just tell the students to bring a pair of headphones that day so they can listen to the ads on their own. If you'd like me to email any lessons I have done using Living Room Candidate, let me know!

Gangsters, Gamblers, and Girls

I have gone on this historic walking tour and am hoping to take some students to see it this April. It is an awesome exhibit and so entertaining!!

http://www.newportgangsters.com/index.html

Awesome Video

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share this video from the BBC. Hans Rosling takes statistics for 200 countries over course of 200 years (from 1810-2010). Although he is a professor who teaches about global health, this could easily be used when teaching about globalization, industrialization, etc. It is a very interesting look at how life expectancy and income are connected. Very cool.

Hope you find it as interesting as I do!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo&feature=player_embedded