Why Memorial Day? This moving letter by Civil War Major Sullivan Ballou (1829–61) to his wife Sarah just a week before he died in the First Battle of Bull Run provides one answer. Read the letter, and consider the following questions: How does Ballou understand and explain the choice he faces? Why does he choose as he does? Imagining yourself as the recipient of this letter, how would you receive … Read more »
Our May newsletter is out! Learn more about our new Memorial Day ebook and upcoming activities.
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Do you want to learn more about how to use primary sources for US history effectively? This August, nationally recognized Socratic seminar trainer John Zola will be leading teachers in a unique workshop that makes use of materials from WSPWH! The workshop is offered by the National Council for the Social Studies, and graduate credit is available. Just don’t wait: the deadline to register is July 15.
Learn more at the … Read more »
Teaching is one of the most difficult jobs, but we rarely take the time to acknowledge the great teachers in our lives. Today, we have the chance to honor our teachers with Teacher Appreciation Day! It’s easy to join the celebration: The National Educators Association has some great cover photos you can use to share your thanks on Facebook. You can also express your gratitude on Twitter with the hashtag … Read more »
Student Achievement Partners had new tools for teaching the Common Core State Standards at achievethecore.org. A quick look at what’s new:
One among our holidays alone bears the name and the specific call to remembrance: Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a post-Civil War holiday. It was first instituted by the Grand Army of the Republic, on May 30, 1868, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie … Read more »
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. Today’s poem, composed by John Greenleaf Whittier, was read on April 30, 1889, at the centennial celebration of Washington’s first taking the oath of presidential office.
Whittier (1807–92) was an American poet and ardent abolitionist. Raised in a devout Quaker family in … 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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