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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Automobile Collection

For Students 9th - 10th
See the wide range of gas-powered vehicles manufactured in America in the late 19th century. Click on each picture to read a detailed description of the vehicle, how it worked, and the history of its manufacture. From the Smithsonian...
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Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Tending Aids to Navigation

For Students 9th - 10th
Who maintains our maritime infrastructure? Step back to the 1920s and meet some of the men and boats of the U.S. Lighthouse Service while learning about the hundreds of aids to navigation in New York Harbor.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Our Story: Life in a Sod House

For Students 3rd - 8th
Imagine moving into a house made out of sod that you and your family had to build in the middle of a prairie! Find great information and activities that will help you understand how it felt to live on the prairie.
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Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Leaving Things Behind [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This resource provides information about Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate to interment camps during World War II.
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Activity
Smithsonian Institution

Anacostia Museum: The Renaissance: Black Art of the Twenties

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an informative description of the "Black Arts of the Twenties," which was better known as the Harlem Renaissance. Learn about the culture, art, music, and writings of this period.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: September 11: Bearing Witness to History

For Students 9th - 10th
The Smithsonian Institution has collected thousands of items and stories connected with the September 11 attack. View the items, read about them, and listen to the stories of survivors, first responders, and families of those who...
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: The Star Spangled Banner

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about the history of the flag, and events of 1814 that affected Francis Scott Key, author of the anthem.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Slave Life and the Underground Railroad

For Students 3rd - 8th
A brief summary of the history of African American slavery and the Underground Railroad. Activities and books pertaining to slave life, plantations, and the Underground Railroad are suggested.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: History of Vaccines

For Students 9th - 10th
Illustrated overview of the history of vaccines and inoculations against diseases, such as smallpox and polio.
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Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Life in Japanese American Internment Camp

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Information about life in an internment camp. Includes related activities and links to books and other websites on Japanese American internment.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: Lincoln's Henry Rifle

For Students 9th - 10th
View the museum object record for a Henry rifle given to Lincoln at the start of the Civil War. Record includes a history of the firearm, making note of its design as the inspiration for the famously successful Winchester rifle that came...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: Stubby (Canine Mascot and Hero)

For Students 9th - 10th
A great story about the brindle pup who was the mascot of the 102 Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. Find out about the exploits of this extraordinary dog in World War I.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Sam Houston's Hunting Knife

For Students 9th - 10th
View a photo and read a brief description of Sam Houston's Hunting Knife.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: Regimental Uniform Coat

For Students 9th - 10th
A photograph of the regimental uniform coat of an officer in the Continental Army. Includes a description of this particular coat and gives information about where the uniforms were manufactured.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: Tricorn Hat

For Students 9th - 10th
See a picture of the tricorn hat, worn by militiamen in the Revolutionary War. You can also read about the history of this particular hat.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Archives Center: Duke Ellington: Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
A useful biographical note of Duke Ellington.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Lighthouses Postcards

For Students 9th - 10th
An online collection of postcards that depict lighthouses from all over the United States and Canada. A history of lighthouses is included.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: "I Want You" Poster

For Students 9th - 10th
View the iconic "I Want You" poster, versions of which were used to recruit forces for the U.S. armed services during both world wars. Also view the poster in context, with other posters and broadsides used to send Americans to war.
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Professional Doc
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: 1860 Campaign Ribbon

For Students 9th - 10th
View a photo a 1860 Campaign Ribbon and read a brief description of the contentious election of 1860. Displayed in the National Museum of American History.
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Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Price of Freedom: George Washington's Uniform

For Students 9th - 10th
View a photo and read a brief description of George Washington's uniform. Also includes an explanation of Washington's attention to the symbol of the uniform. Displayed in the National Museum of American History.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: America on Stone

For Students 9th - 10th
Features an extensive collection of lithographs that portrays everyday life in the 19th century and attitudes about race and ethnicity. These prints play a major role in helping us understand America's past. Subjects covered include...
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Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: A Puerto Rican Carnival

For Students Pre-K - 1st
A look at Carnival celebrations in Puerto Rico. The lesson includes a little bit of background information, suggested tie-in reading, and activities such as making a Carnival mask or learning about costumes by coloring a "vejigante...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Students "Sit" for Civil Rights

For Students 3rd - 8th
Read the book, "Freedom on the Menu" about the Greensboro Sit-Ins and use the background information and follow up activities provided to enhance the story.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: The Star Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem

For Students 3rd - 8th
Use this site to discover the history of the flag that was the inspiration for our national anthem. Take the quiz and test your knowledge of the American flag. Included is information about the War of 1812.