Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Religion and American Life
An evolving section, Religion and American Life, will address the roles of immigration and religious freedom in the United States paving a long and open road of religous traditions, literature and artwork.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Cox v. New Hampshire (1941)
Full opinion of the United States Supreme Court in the Cox v. New Hampshire case (1941).
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
This resource provides information about the Joseph Burstyn v. Wilson Supreme Court case.
PBS
Pbs: God in America
Site has much to offer on the topic of the 400-year history of religion and public life in America. At this point in time the full videos are available to watch for free. Topics include: American Scripture, God in the White House, Sacred...
Boston College
Boston College: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
Full-text edition of the entire decision in the Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson case.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Justice
Examining theories for a just society including Utilitarianism, Libertarianism, and Egalitarian Libertarianism, could gain from utilizing this enlightening resource.
Library of Congress
Loc: Religion and the Founding of American Rep.: Religion and the Federal Gov
This site from the Library of Congress presents selections of articles, writings, and pictures that summarize the beliefs of the early American politicians that morality and personal independence were essential for the country. Links to...
Digital History
Digital History: Religious Freedom and the Founders
Read the background for the Founding Fathers' support of freedom of religion and separation of church and state. Included are parts of letters in which George Washington and Thomas Jefferson celebrate the fact that the United States was...
Digital History
Digital History: The Middle Colonies: William Penn's Holy Commonwealth
The Quakers were persecuted in England and in many English colonies. Read about William Penn's establishment of the colony of Pennsylvania where Quakers and others could live with religious liberty.
Other
Center for Individual Rights
The Center "is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to the defense of individual liberties." The CIR presents their philosophy on civil rights, free expression, religious liberty, and federalism.
Other
Architect of the Capitol: Roger Williams
This site from the Architect of the Capitol provides a very brief biographical sketch of Roger Williams, plus a photo of a statue of him that stands in the National Statuary Hall.
Other
First Amendment Center
This First Amendment site, partly news and partly background, contains information related to all the aspects of the freedoms outlined in the First Amendment.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Landmark Court Cases
Landmark court cases regarding religious liberty throughout the history of the U.S.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Religious Liberty
Use these lesson extensions to help your students understand the historical context of American religious liberty.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson hoped that he would be remembered for three accomplishments: his founding of the University of Virginia, his crafting of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and his authorship of the Declaration of Independence....
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
I Citizen Forum: Living Documents: Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Complete text, in multiple languge formats, of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Founding Fathers' Notions of Religious Liberty (Lesson Plan)
Explore founders' views, particularly the views of George Washington, on the role of religion and religious liberty in public life. Includes excerpts from Washington's writings and speeches to give students opportunities to include...