Curated OER
Ben Franklin
Students meet Ben Franklin and research his life accomplishments. In this lesson about the history of Benjamin Franklin, students will visit several websites in order to learn about this Founding Father. Students follow a worksheet with...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Thomas Jefferson (Spanish)
A brief biography on Thomas Jefferson with pictures and links.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia Press: The Papers of James Madison
The papers of James Madison, plus a short biography, bibliography, and links to other sites. Site is detailed and comprehensive.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Alexander Hamilton
One of our original Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton was a controversial figure. This PBS site allows you to watch excerpts from a two-hour long documentary on his life and role in US history. Provides a detailed timeline that gives...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Alexander Hamilton
A biography of Alexander Hamilton from the documentary program AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: The Duel, produced by PBS.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry's speeches and leadership have earned him an honored place in American history. This article provides a brief overview of his life, as well as a portrait of this founding father.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: George Washington
A brief biography on George Washington with pictures and links.
Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas Jefferson Exhibit
The Library of Congress has created an exhibit which focuses on the extraordinary legacy of Thomas Jefferson--founding father, farmer, architect, inventor, slaveholder, book collector, scholar, diplomat, and the third president of the...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Benjamin Franklin
Information on the life of Benjamin Franklin, as a printer, librarian, inventor, and statesman. Includes a timeline.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: School Publishers: An Interview With Thomas Jefferson
"What do you think Thomas Jefferson was like as a person? What were his interests and hobbies? Where did he go to school? Imagine yourself as a reporter in 1826, about to interview Mr. Jefferson at Monticello, his home."
Library of Congress
Loc: Madison's Treasures
Documents presented here relate to two seminal events in which Madison played a major role: the drafting and ratification of the Constitution of the United States (1787-1788) and the introduction (1789) in the First Federal Congress of...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Grolier: Thomas Jefferson
A thorough biography of one of the founding fathers of America, Thomas Jefferson.
Other
Thomas Jefferson
Citizendium is similar to Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia where the public edits articles. In this article, an overview of Jefferson's life and political views are provided.
Other
Colonial Hall: Benjamin Franklin, 1706 1790
An extensive biography of founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, transcribed from an 1829 publication, Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence, by Rev. Charles A. Goodrich.
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness to History: The Death of George Washington, 1799
This article details the circumstances of the death of George Washington, the first president of the United States. There are quotes from several people in attendance.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Life and Times of John Adams
John Adams was an important Founding Father, whose importance was not appreciated when he was president. Read about how his early life shaped his strongly held beliefs, and see how he would not put partisan politics above those beliefs.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Historic Valley Forge: Major General Alexander Hamilton
A short biography of Alexander Hamilton containing information on his military service during the American Revolution as well as his later life in politics.
PBS
Citizen Ben: Founding Father
As part of a larger site about the extraordinary Benjamin Franklin, this section focuses on his being one of founding fathers of the new United States of America. Read about the three major documents he signed as a delegate and diplomat.
iCivics
I Civics: Thomas Jefferson Mini Lesson
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States, but he played many political roles throughout our nation's history. His political life influenced the country in many ways, from the founding documents to the shape of our...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Who Was Alexander Hamilton?
Students learn about the early life of Alexander Hamilton and his achievements as an adult during the Revolutionary War and in the Washington administration.
Other
Potus: James Madison
Comprehensive facts about James Madison and his presidency. Includes biography, election results, cabinet members, odd facts, and notable events.
Other
Potus: Thomas Jefferson
Comprehensive facts about Thomas Jefferson and his presidency. Includes biography, election results, cabinet members, odd facts, and notable events.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Hall of Presidents: John Adams
John Trumbull portrait of Adams, with brief analysis of Adams' administration.
Patsy Stevens
Garden of Praise: Thomas Jefferson
This site from Garden of Praise is written for the K-3 student. It gives basic information but also provides additional sites for more in-depth study.