Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The Library of Congress has created this excellent resource that features over 400 images and 2,000 digital files related to the inaugurations of George Washington through Joe Biden (in 2021). There are references, diary entries, letters, and more.

tag(s): inauguration (10), presidents (135), washington (28)

Are you looking for a new way to get your students attention in history class? This site is perfect for those students who view fashion as the only thing worth their attention! The site focuses on the gowns that the first ladies wore to the inaugural ceremony (from a variety of time periods). The significance of the gowns is discussed. Several photos are included. The video clips date back to 2001 and no longer work. For commentary and speculation on what Mrs. Obama and the Obama children will wear, see this article from Womens Wear Daily

tag(s): fashion (12), inauguration (10)

Although TeachersFirst doesn't typically review hotlists, this one provides a great deal of information on the presidents, Inauguration Day, the White House, and other "presidential" topics. There are printables, lesson plans (many with standards), photos, video clips, and more. The link Presidential Inaugurations lists countless resources to use in your classroom.

tag(s): inauguration (10)

This site shares Inauguration Day events: Procession to the Capitol, Vice President's Swearing In Ceremony, President's Swearing In Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Departure of the Outgoing President, Inaugural Luncheon, Inaugural Parade, and the Inaugural Ball. Each topic has a Learn More link and provides authentic photos and historical information.

tag(s): inauguration (10)

This site, affiliated with the PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, presents a lesson plan related to the history of civil disobedience. The site provides a short handout for students, and a more detailed summary for teachers to prepare for discussion on civil disobedience and its role in creating change. There is also a collection of historical quotes focused on the issue, including the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Henry David Thoreau, and Bishop Desmond Tutu. You need Acrobat Reader to print the quotes and other downloadable documents. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): civil rights (209)

This searchable, no-frills site brings together thirty historical documents that were instrumental in creating the freedoms enjoyed by Americans. It's all here - the Mayflower Compact, the 19th Amendment, Martin Luther King, Jr,'s "I have a dream" speech, and much more. Good reference site for a history or civics class.

tag(s): bill of rights (33), constitution (96), presidents (135), speech (69), speeches (23)

This site from the American Radioworks series uses a series of documentary audio recordings along with text and images to tell the story of the Jim Crow segregation laws in the United States. Featuring remembrances by those who where there, the site offers an engaging perspective on an era that ended more recently than many realize. If you teach American History, or have any lessons around Black History month, there is so much information to learn at this site, that you don't want to miss it!

tag(s): africa (148), african american (115), black history (133), civil rights (209), racism (79), segregation (18)

Stanford's collection of King resources is among the most complete, and includes biographical and contextual information on King and his work. There are original documents as well as timelines and other study aids. Visit the King Resources tab on the top menu, for an online dictionary and other features.

tag(s): 1960s (26), african american (115), black history (133), civil rights (209), holidays (187), martin luther king (45)

These 10 featured items, from the website for the PBS Newshour Extra, offer both a set of structured questions about integration and racism and a set of resources that documents Dr. King and the struggle for equal rights in America. The lesson includes links to important documents, extension activities, thinking questions, audio and video footage, and correlations to National Standards in history, civics, culture, and more.

tag(s): african american (115), black history (133), civil rights (209), holidays (187), martin luther king (45)

This site features countless quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. with reference to where and when he said them. This site can be helpful as a starting point for students to find important dates and events in Martin Luther King's life. Be aware this site is user-contributed, but most quotes include attribution to a source. The Discussion tab at the top reveals comments by other user-contributors regarding certain quotes that they dispute.

tag(s): african american (115), black history (133), civil rights (209), holidays (187), martin luther king (45)

At first glance, this site may look a bit "plain vanilla," but dig a little deeper and you will find some real gems! The site (all about Martin Luther King, Jr.) offers research information and videos of several of King's famous speeches. There are also coloring pages for younger students. Find links to learn more about King, Rosa Parks, and the MLK Jr. Holiday. Be aware: this site does have numerous advertisements. At the time of this review, all advertisements were appropriate.

tag(s): african american (115), black history (133), civil rights (209), holidays (187), martin luther king (45)

Introduce or review the high points in America's history from westward expansion to the post Civil War era with this 10-minute animated movie and interactive atlas, complete with narration. Roll your mouse over each state to reveal its name, or click to reveal historical information. An interactive timeline at the bottom of the map allows students to scroll to a particular year and play the movie from that point forward. This video resides on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube it may not be viewable.

tag(s): lincoln (66), presidents (135), states (124)

The department of history at the University of Pennsylvania developed this searchable collection of primary source materials dealing with the Civil War. The collection includes editorial cartoons, images, and manuscripts, all grouped by subject and time period. While some of the material will require interpretation, this would be a useful site for secondary research that requires the use of primary sources. Some of the sources require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): civil war (139), lincoln (66), primary sources (117)

This site offers information for those visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. However, even if you can't physically go to the museum there are some create resources! If you click on the Teacher Resources, you will find several activity guides to use in your classroom. Learn more about the Gettysburg Address, First Ladies, Women's History Month, Black History Month, Christmas at the Whitehouse, and more! Most of the guides require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): lincoln (66), presidents (135)

The PBS Nova site about the Civil War ironclad the Monitor offers some unexpected treats. Students can see whether they can run the steam engine without blowing it up, and the curious can take a simulated 360 degree tour of various parts of the ship. This site includes several lesson plans (most linked to standards), and more. There is a lot of information to learn from, but few activities required flash.

tag(s): civil war (139), lincoln (66)

Those interested in the Civil War will enjoy this one. The simple timeline offers a comment about the events of the day drawn from Civil War history. From the menu on the right, find interesting topics like Civil War Facts, Trigger Events of the Civil War, The Reason for Secession, and others, with links to additional information.

tag(s): civil war (139), lincoln (66)

This site, created by The History Place offers a chronological listing of Civil War events (with pictures) and is easy to navigate. This site features topics such as Fort Sumter Attacked, Gettysburg, Shiloh, and several others. The timeline format is easy to understand. The photos are authentic and informative.

tag(s): civil war (139), lincoln (66)

Although this site is "plain vanilla," it offers some nice research information and photos of five "Lincoln" topics: Lincoln Becomes President, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Gettysburg, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott Decision. Nearly all of this site is displayed in a timeline format. There are some basic advertisements at this site, nothing too distracting.

tag(s): emancipation proclamation (13), gettysburg (15), gettysburg address (12), lincoln (66)

This site provides information on the Civil War Confederate submarine "Hunley" and the efforts to find, raise, and restore the vessel. Used to attack Union ships blockading the Charleston, SC harbor, the Hunley successfully sank the USS Housatonic, then mysteriously disappeared. This site is worth a look for both its scientific and historical possibilities. This site requires QuickTime. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.

tag(s): civil war (139), lincoln (66)

Explore this extensive online collection of Lincoln information. This site has nearly everything you could want to learn about Lincoln. Some of the highlights include speeches, lectures, and ideas, "This Week in History" (Lincoln history, that is), and more. Be sure to check out the Education link at the top to find many classroom resources.

tag(s): lincoln (66)