On this day in 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer was defeated by Native American Sioux chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull at the Battle of Little Bighorn. After finding gold in South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills in the 1870s, the US Army entered the region—despite previous treaties reserving the area for Native Americans. Sioux and Cheyenne tribesman gathered along the Little Bighorn River in an effort to prevent … Read more »
As we near the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, much less attention has been given to the man whose oration at Gettysburg was actually considered the main event. History seems to have long forgotten famed orator Edward Everett’s two hour speech, despite his status as the featured speaker for the commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Everett was a supremely accomplished political figure, having served as a … Read more »
In the latest installment of our Blogger Spotlight, check out these posts about the future of the humanities and ideas for creative teaching techniques.
How can we protect the humanities? The American Academy of Arts & Sciences recommends 12 key steps.
A different type of professional development. Megan Klassen explores how summer vacation can help teachers develop.
Looking for inspiration? Diana Senechal shares anecdotes about her creative writing assignments.
On June 20, 1782, Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States. The seal’s design took six years, three committees, and the combined efforts of 14 men before it was completed. The final version, combining features suggested by each of the committees, was designed by Charles Thomson of Philadelphia (1729–1824), secretary of the Continental Congress.
Yet despite these efforts, our national seal is widely seen yet little noticed. Most … Read more »
By Anne Continetti
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Overview | The Gettysburg Address has been memorized, recited, and admired. Countless readers have discussed its rhetorical devices, literary merit, and political reception. But few have attended to the thought of Lincoln’s speech and the deeper purposes that it serves.
People do recognize that this funeral oration, honoring Union dead in the battle that marked a turning point in the war against Southern rebellion, was even … Read more »
Thanks to a new feature from Google, inquisitive history buffs have the opportunity to take a tour of Mark Twain’s home from the comfort of their desktop. Instead of traveling to the historic Hartford, Connecticut museum where Twain lived from 1874–91, users can enjoy a virtual walk-through free of charge.
As Richard Byrne notes, this new software is a great benefit to teachers who want to give students … Read more »
In our newest installment of the Blogger Spotlight, check out these tips for enhancing your lessons with technology.
A middle school teacher leads the way. Check out Tim Bailey’s online lessons for teaching American history.
Cassie Medley has found creative ways to combine technology with writing lessons in the classroom.
Teach students to think critically, with Katrina Schwartz’s advice about “learning traits.”
Struggling to get your students involved? Try … Read more »
Distinguished scholar-teachers Amy and Leon Kass demonstrate how short stories, speeches, and songs can be used to enhance civic education and how a pedagogical approach that stresses learning through inquiry can make primary sources come alive for students of all ages.
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