United States

This program begins by exploring the development of slavery in America and the conditions under which enslaved people lived and worked.

Millions of enslaved African-American men, women and children lived in the United States less that 200 years ago. During that period of American history, many brave men and women attempted an escape to freedom. Harriet Tubman is perhaps the best known of these American heroes.

This program explores the daily life and customs of enslaved children and adults from colonial times through Emancipation. Through these activities students will come to better understand and appreciate the hardships and plight of African Americans living under the institution of slavery.

This middle school program features the classic film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939, dir. Frank Capra), for in-depth study. The lessons and activities, with multiple cross-curricular connections, introduce students to what a movie is, the filmmaking process, film Language and elements of style, and the historical and cultural context of the movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Every line on the U.S. map tells a story. Every border reflects our history -- our struggles for independence, our internal conflicts over states rights and slavery, our westward expansion, and the mastery of our natural resources. We are so familiar with the map of United States, but do we know why our states look the way they do? Every shape on the map tells a great story about our past.