Library of Congress. This pivotal time in U.S. history is studied in detail using primary source materials including newspapers, photographs, advertisements, and private letters. The LOC's exhibit is a treasure trove of primary source materials ready to incorporate into your curriculum.
The Museum of the Confederacy. This was the first war to utilize air power on both sides of the conflict. This video discusses aerial reconnaissance and the use of balloons during the Civil War. Museum staff members discuss Confederate aeronauts John Randolph Bryan and Edward Porter Alexander and their missions during the Peninsula Campaign.
The Museum of the Confederacy. On July, 21, 1861, Union and Confederate armies fought what was then the largest battle in American history at Manassas, Va. Participants saved or collected souvenirs and relics of the battle and many of those items found their way into the collections of The Museum of the Confederacy.
Museum of the Confederacy. This poignant and informative film focuses on the customs and beliefs that soldiers and civilians from both sides of the conflict used to handle the horrifying scenes of mass death and destruction. It includes mourning clothing, accessories, and battlefield artifacts. Graphic images are included so please preview before sharing with students.
Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Haunting battlefield photographs are used to examine this horrific period of our history. Particularly moving is the original sound work "completely silenced" by artist Steve Roden that includes nineteenth century instruments and sound effects that mimic what civil war soldiers heard at the time. The Alexander Gardner photographs are available from the TRC.
PoemHunter.com Who better to eulogize Lincoln that his most eloquent opponent? Bryant's respect and admiration for the fallen leader is evident in the words of this touching poem from the Civil War era.
Terra Foundation & Partners. This site "is intended to help teachers and students learn about the Civil War-its causes and effects-and connect to the issues, events, and people of the era through works of art." Highly recommended.
WGBH Boston. "Was a civil war inevitable over slavery in America? No. A war was not necessarily inevitable over slavery in America, but a deep conflict over slavery was. Any nation ... that founds itself on the creeds of life, liberty, the pursuit of happ
Newberry Library and Chicago History Museum. The bicentennial might be over but the great information on Lincoln, his life, and his impact on our nation lives on in these great websites. The photo of Lincoln on the battlefield is also part of the Amon Ca
National Endowment for the Humanities. The Emanicipation Proclamation was Lincoln's first attemp to broaden the the goals of the Union in the Civil War. Use in conjunction with several paintings and scuplture from the Amon Carter to tell the full story.
Although this lesson plan focuses on a different sculpture, consider using "The Freedman" from the Carter to get a different perspective on the impace of this military unit on US history. Request a digital copy of this sculpture via the email above.
The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities. "...allows you to search and view newspaper pages from 1860-1922 and find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present." Great primary source research tool for
www.ushistory.org One of our nation's most important documents.
www.ushistory.org This site has copies of the great speeches in U.S. history.
ushistory.org Was there a greater orator in the 19th century? A great speech that still has meaning for today.
Texas Beyond History. Presents a side-by-side look at events during the war nationally, in Texas, and in North east Texas specifically. Highly recommended.
Abraham Lincoln Association. Their goal: "To observe each anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; to preserve and make more readily accessible the landmarks associated with his life; and to actively encourage, promote and aid the collection and dissemination of authentic information regarding all phases of his life and career." Includes digitized works and publications.
Civil War Trust. Their goal: to save America's civil war battlefields and provide resources for educators and the general public. This site includes maps, photos, and good lesson plans.
The History Place. Provides a concise yet informative timeline that includes information about North and South issues.
The Henry Ford Museum. Actual text of interviews with former slaves including kitchen work, agriculture, and food availability.