Other
Farmers' Museum: Harvest of History: History of New York State Argriculture
Site compares and contrasts a farming village of 1845 to that of the present day. Students can make their own video online using clips, narrative, and music supplied by the museum.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Who Were the Cowboys Behind 'Cowboy Songs'?
This article and audio report [9:05] covers the origins of American cowboy folk songs. Uses popups. Also includes a brief video clip of a 19th century folk song being performed.
Digital History
Digital History: The Birth of American Popular Culture
A description of many different forms of popular culture in the first half of the 19th century ranging from sensationalized newspapers to dime novels to pseudoscience. Read about Stephen Foster's music, theatrical productions, and even...
Other
What Is Celtic Music?
Defining Celtic music, this site breaks down its history into Ancient Times, the 19th century and then by the 1970s and 1990s. Includes links to other sites about Celtic music.
Contemplator
Popular Songs in American History: Rosalie, the Prairie Flower
This page presents the lyrics to a famous folk song of the nineteenth century.
Central Home
Central Home: The History of Dance: Polka
This website contains a brief history of the origins of polka music as well as definitions, descriptions of dance steps and important people related to the progress of polka music.
Contemplator
Popular Songs in American History: Turkey in the Straw
This site provides the lyrics to an early minstrel song that was popular during Andrew Jackson's presidency.
Other
The Nutcracker
Notes on the story, characters, music, and choreography of "The Nutcracker" ballet.
Library of Congress
Loc: Lyrical Legacy: 400 Years of American Song and Poetry
Explore eighteen American songs and poems each represented by an original primary source document, along with historical background information and, in many cases, sound recordings and alternate versions.
Other
What on Earth Is Polka?
"What on Earth is Polka?" offers a brief history of polka music as well as information on its origins, famous composers, and related vocabulary.