Links
Organizations, Programs, & Projects
Historical Content Resources
Teaching Resources
———————————————————————————————————-
Organizations, Programs, & Projects
~National
Accuracy in Academia – A non-profit research group that wants schools to return to their traditional mission –the quest for truth. To promote this goal, AIA documents and publicizes political bias in education in Campus Report, its monthly newsletter. CR articles focus on the use of classroom and university resources to indoctrinate students; discrimination against students, faculty, or administrators based on political or academic beliefs; and campus violations of free speech.
American Association of School Administrators – Founded in 1865, the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders across the United States including superintendents, CEO’s, and senior-level administrators from school districts in every region of the country. AASA aims to support and develop effective school system leaders dedicated to quality public education for all children. It helps to shape educational policy, oversee its implementation, and represent school districts to the public at large.
American Bar Association’s Division for Public Education – Educates the public about the law and its role in society. The division develops and supports law-related education (LRE) to prepare students for responsible citizenship and is committed to liberty, justice, and the rule of law. It provides information about practical law, legal terms, Supreme Court cases, public policy issues, and directories of K-12 law-related education projects. LRE can be infused into various subjects, offering ideas about Law Day and Student Court and providing information about national and state projects. Teaching tools include the award-winning magazine, Insights on Law and Society, class lessons, mock trials, quizzes, newsletters, conferences, and youth programs. Students can find information about considering a career in law and an on-line Youth Summit.
American Center for Law and Justice – A non-profit organization committed to insuring the ongoing viability of constitutional freedoms and dedicated to the concept that freedom and democracy are God-given inalienable rights that must be protected. Specializing in constitutional law, the ACLJ engages in litigation, provides legal services, renders advice, counsels clients, provides education, and supports attorneys who are involved in defending religious and civil liberties of America. As a non-profit, the ACLJ does not charge for legal services. The site includes court hearings and updates, interviews, current events, media briefs, and an action center to sign petitions, contact officials, and donate.
American Christian Heritage Group – Dedicated to educating citizens concerning the Christian heritage of the United States and to encourage citizens in the exercise of their God-given freedom towards building upon and maintaining that heritage. ACHG provides educational and informational materials.
American Flag Foundation – Chartered in 1982, AFF is a non-profit organization that aims to ensure that the true meaning of the American flag is recognized. AFF’s mission is to encourage patriotism in children and adults, achieved through its education and outreach programs focused on the American flag.
American Historical Association – A professional association for historians and K-16 history teachers, has a long-standing commitment to teaching and history education at all levels. The teaching division provides guidelines to promote teaching excellence and establishes criteria for standards in social studies, supports National History Day, sponsors sessions, and offers prizes and awards. The K-12 Teaching Collaborative includes an archive of current collaborative projects plus opportunities for analysis of educational objectives. Perspectives, the association’s publication, features articles on teaching issues and concerns; a link is provided to the American Historical Review. The site includes a link to U. S. Department of Education grant information for Teaching American History, an index of teaching publications, and links to other history education organizations.
American Legion – Chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans community-service organization which now numbers 3 million members, men and women, in 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. The American Legion aims to uphold and defend the Constitution; maintain law and order; foster and perpetuate Americanism; preserve memories and incidents of associations in the Great Wars; inculcate individual obligation to community, state and nation; combat autocracy; make right the master of might; promote peace and goodwill; safeguard and transmit to posterity principles of justice, freedom and democracy; and uphold comradeship through mutual helpfulness.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) – A non-profit, non-partisan organization addressing all aspects of effective teaching and learning–professional development, educational leadership, and capacity building. ACSD represents 175,000 educators from more than 135 countries. Members span the education profession–superintendents, teachers, principals, ED professors, and school board members . The site includes information on archived and current membership/subscription publications like Curriculum Handbook, Classroom Leadership, Educational Leadership, Curriculum Technology Quarterly (including a social studies curriculum area), Curriculum Update, and Journal of Curriculum and Supervision. The site also contains information on professional development events and trainings, an educational research service, and short lessons on education topics.
Association of American Educators – A national advocate for educators who believe that the first duty is to the child and to development of a young person’s character as well as intellect; that educators have freedoms from joining labor unions and strikes; and that public schools and their administration and curriculum are under control of and accountable only to parents, citizens, and taxpayers of the local communities they serve. AAE shares concern for America’s children and the culture they will inherit and promotes new standards of professionalism and educational enrichment to prepare students to become good citizens, workers, and people. The AAE Foundation is a forum for teachers and parents to become aware of strengths and weaknesses of the American school system from educators’ or an insider’s view. The foundation offers professional development seminars for teachers, public symposia for public exchange, grants and scholarships to worthy teachers, and a supplement to educational and charitable activities through the periodical, Education Matters.
The Bill of Rights Institute – Serves to educate high school students about the Bill of Rights through classroom materials and programs that teach what the Bill of Rights protects, how it affects our daily lives, and how it shapes society. Teachers can enhance their students’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens as well as of the historical and intellectual origins of the U. S. Constitution. The site offers the Institute’s flexible curriculum guide and video, The Bill of Rights and You, pocket-sized cards of text and facts of the Bill of Rights, current and upcoming events, landmark cases, and recent court rulings. Free, downloadable activities and lesson plans for secondary social studies, U. S. hisory, and government teachers involve primary source activities, citizenship and character lessons, and historical narratives. Essay topics range from citizenship, criminal procedure, and expression to federalism, Founder of the month, guns, property, and religion. The Institute offers workshops for credit and summer seminars.
Center for American History (CAH) – A research unit of the University of Texas at Austin, facilitates and supports teaching, research, and public education in U.S. history. CAH acquires, preserves, and makes available for research archival, artifact, and rare book collections and sponsors exhibitions, conferences, video documentaries, oral history projects, grant-funded research, and publications. The center reflects the university’s extensive holdings documenting the historical development of the United States and includes the Institute for Studies in American Military History, the Sam Rayburn Library & Museum, John Nance Garner Museum, and Windale. The Research and Collections Division emphasizes the history of Texas, the South and Southwest, the Rocky Mountain West, congressional history, and specific national topics like media history and the history of the professional touring entertainment industry.
Center for Civic Education – A non-profit, non-partisan corporation dedicated to fostering the development of informed, responsible participation in civic life by citizens committed to values and principles fundamental to American constitutional democracy. CCE focuses on and promotes civic and law-related education and international exchange in order to help the next generation preserve and improve democracy. The Center offers curriculum materials, teacher training, and community-based programs. The site includes information about We the People… Project Citizen for K-12 students, standards for civic education, syllabi, downloadable sample lessons and frameworks, articles and papers, teacher internet resources, and professional development institutes. Project Citizen promotes competent and responsible participation in state and local government among middle school students by engaging students in public policy issues, formulation, and implementation.
CivXNow Coalition – A network of diverse but similar-focused organizations who recognize the importance of and need to strengthen civic education in America. CivXNow aims to ensure that every young person acquires the civic knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for informed and authentic civic engagement. The coalition includes leading civic learning providers, philanthropic organizations, academic and research institutions, and other supporters representing perspectives across the political spectrum. Member organizations have committed to improving civic knowledge and education through their individual and collective missions.
The Constitution Society – A private non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education on the principles of constitutional republican government. It publishes documentation, engages in litigation, and organizes local citizens groups to work for reform. This site provides a library of classic constitutional resources including court decisions, essays, commentaries,and related documents. Categories range from founding documents, basic principles, rights, abuses, and due process to citizen action, political & legal reform, constitutional defense, unity & federalism, and public education. The site aims to provide information on what is and is not constitutional in situations, what applicable constitutions require in action, and constitutional decision support.
The Core Knowledge Foundation – An independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher literacy in early education. It conducts research on curricula; develops books and other educational materials for parents, teachers, and children; provides professional development for teachers; and serves as the hub of a growing network of Core Knowledge Schools. The foundation makes available solid, coherently sequenced elementary and middle school core curricula to help Pre-K and K-8 students establish strong foundations of knowledge, grade by grade. The site offers core curriculum resources, lesson plans, teaching guides, state alignments, relevant articles and research, a bookstore, a day-to-day planner, and parent resources. Included is information about the core knowledge curriculum, core knowledge schools, events and training, workshops and conferences, and testing.
EDSITEment!: The Best of the Humanities on the Web – A resource of the National Endowment for the Humanities, this site includes article features, a lesson plans library for teachers, and student resources in humanities-related subject areas including History and Social Studies.
Education Commission of the States – ECS was created by states, for states, in 1965. ECS tracks state policy trends, translates academic research, provides unbiased advice, and creates opportunities for state leaders to learn from one another. The site provides information about education issues, research studies, legislation, and various institutes. It provides information on the Civics Education Initiative of the Joe Foss Institute that promotes civics testing of students in all states.
Educational Leadership – Websites and organizations for the Educational Leadership community. Lists and links to various organizations and programs in the areas of educational leadership, educational policy, K-12 education, K-12 journals, and higher education as relevant to educators and adminstrators.
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and War of 1812 Museum – Founded in 1927 and one of Baltimore’s oldest museums, the Flag House and museum are dedicated to the story of Mary Young Pickersgill who made the enormous 30 x 42-foot Star -Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the National Anthem. Mary Pickersgill’s flag now hangs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. The Flag House offers K-12 tours and fieldtrips, family fun days, resources and lesson plans, an event calendar, and facts, history, and laws about the flag,and an active public events calendar, including colonial era open hearth cooking demonstrations, quilt conservation workshops, scholarly symposia, and family fun days.
Foundation for Teaching Economics – A non-profit organization offering teaching instruction in economic education to teachers and young people selected for their leadership potential. The site contains information about high school social studies teacher programs in economics, leadership, American history -economics integration, and economic analysis with environmental issues as well as opportunities for professional development through on-line courses and seminars. Teachers can find state and national economic content standards, program evaluations, resources, curriculum designs, simulations, overheads, and lesson plans including program and prize-winning lessons in economics, finance, public policy, government, and industry. Teachers and students can find out about the Teenage Consumer Price Index (TCPI) project in which teens create a market basket of goods and services. Students can access a bulletin board to write comments and interact with other students.
Geographic Education National Implementation Project (GENIP) – A consortium of geographic associations committed to bettering the status and quality of K-12 geographic education in American educational institutions. The GENIP consists of the National Geographic Society, the National Council for Geographic Education, the Association of American Geographers, and the American Geographical Society. The site provides links to each of these organizations. GENIP serves as a communication clearinghouse for current and cutting-edge geographic projects and provides information about the Geography national standards published in Geography for Life, geography education issues, related publications and resources, archived projects, conferences and meetings, and a grant program to encourage projects which support its mission.
James Madison Center for Free Speech – Founded to protect the Constitution’s First Amendment right of all citizens and citizen groups to free political expression in America’s democractic republic. Its purpose is to support litigation and public education activities related to free speech. The site lists officers, directors, and the general counsel and includes press releases, news articles, and other publications relating to the importance of the First Amendment. Other information includes campaign finance reform, litigation, and testimony with highlighted cases. Among other notable articles, the General Counsel has published guidelines for political activities by church leaders and groups and dos and don’ts for church leaders involved in political activities.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – An independent federal agency that oversees the management of all federal records and houses and preserves the United States federal government’s important legal, historical, and founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution, Gettysburg Address, the Federal Papers, etc., available in full-text transcripts and high -resolution images. The Declaration page, for example, contains facts and history of the Declaration, the context in which it was written, the Virginia Declaration of Rights and other influences, author Thomas Jefferson, and stylistic artistry. Thousands of holdings are available for research through an electronic archival catalog, databases, and records. The site features historical documents, federal records, presidential libraries, veterans and military service, and geneology and family history. Lessons referencing NARA files are also available.
National Association of Scholars (NAS) Civics Alliance – A national coalition of organizations and citizens dedicated to preserving and improving America’s civic education. NAS upholds the standards of a liberal arts education that fosters intellectual freedom, searches for truth, and promotes virtuous citizenship. The Civics Alliance promotes civic education that teaches students to take pride in what they share as Americans–an exceptional heritage of freedom, a republic that has succeeded in making liberty a fundamental principle of government, and the accomplishments of their common national culture. The alliance aims to promote policy information at the federal, state, and local levels; reform state Social Studies and Civics standards; and keep “action civics” and politically discriminatory practices out of the classroom.
National Center for History in the Schools – Publishes teaching units from collaboration between history professors and teachers. The units represent specific issues and episodes in history from which teachers and students can explore deeper meanings, wider contexts of events, and choices and decisions. Unit lessons are based on primary sources. The NCHS provides national guidelines for teaching history in grades K-12 and national standards for U. S. History for grades 5-12. The site contains reproduceable primary sources, curriculum guides, a catalog of downloadable teaching units in world and U. S. history for all grades , lesson plans matched to history standards, and other history teaching resources and publications. Teachers can also find news articles and press releases.
National Constitution Center – A museum and forum of national conversation showing the role the constitution has played throughout history and its importance today. Located in Philadelphia, the museum has interactive, multimedia, family-oriented exhibits that present important events in America’s history and bring the constitution to life. The site includes museum information for visitors and groups with a calendar of events, exhibits, and public programs. Educator resources are available such as lesson plans about constitutional rights and service learning projects. Student resources include homework help with government and constitution information and games, puzzles, and trivia. The text of the Constitution is also available. Opportunities for civic involvement are provided through voter resources, government websites, civic research results, and a page for submitting messages to government officials on various issues.
National Council for History Education – A non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the importance of history in schools and in society. NCHE links history in the schools with many activities sponsored by state and local organizations, providing a communications network for all advocates of history education, whether in schools, colleges, museums, historical councils, or community groups. This national coalition of educators works to ensure quality history education in classrooms throughout the nation and across all grade levels. The site contains a file of relevant, important articles related to history education as well as competition and conference information, an on-line version of the council’s publication, History Matters!, and related links.
National Council for the Social Studies – The largest association in the U. S. devoted to social studies education, aims to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators. It encompasses social studies education at both the K-12 and college/university levels. The site includes social studies curriculum standards, teacher resources and lesson plans, educational news and current events, professional development and workshop information, policy and legislative updates, grant and fellowship information, notable books, events and programs, a discussion board, and special projects of interest. Educators may submit and access lesson plans in the database, and members are available to share classroom insights on teaching about relevant topics and issues.
National Council of State Legislatures – Provides information on policy issues, state-federal relations, NCSL standing committees, relevant current events, internships, publications, and meetings. Policy topics include education, state-federal relations, and legislatures. The site includes links to state legislatures, internet sites and online services, staff and directories, an ethics center, books and periodicals, professional development, and a calendar.
National History Day – A year-long educational program for grades 6-12, with a website through the History Channel, culminating every June in the highly regarded and nation’s oldest humanities contest for students in middle and high schools. The mission of NHD is to improve the teaching and learning of history in schools so that students become prepared, knowledgeable citizens. NHD promotes educational reform related to teaching and learning of history by engaging students in a process of discovery and interpretation through historical projects related to an annual theme. Individual or groups of students from public, private, or home schools may participate. Projects are evaluated following certain principles of historical quality relating to benchmarks from the Teaching American History Program. The site includes information about the program and contest, the NHD newsletter, volunteer opportunities, educational standards, lesson plans and curriculum ideas, awards, alumni, and more.
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) – An historical, educational, and patriotic non -profit 501(c)3 corporation that seeks to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of e pluribus unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people. SAR aims to present American history, commemorate and provide memorials for people and events of the American Revolution, preserve records relating to events leading up to and during the American Revolution, support research and presentations (books, articles, and talks) related to the history and people of the period 1750-1800, inspire the community with the principles on which our nation was founded, maintain and extend institutions of American freedom, help carry out the promises expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution, provide recognition for public service, honor and support veterans, sponsor essay and oration contests based on historical and patriotic themes for students, inform the community about the events and philosophical bases of the American Revolution and the Constitution, and help people locate and evaluate genealogical records. The website provides goals, membership and contact information, patriotic resources (U. S. flag, color guard, re-enactments/stories, awards), SAR Magazine, words and leaders of liberty, war tales and calendar, youth education activities, genealogy information, and current news.
Organization of American Historians – The largest learned society devoted to the study of American history and promoting study and teaching through many activities. The site contains information about the integration of scholarly work and classroom teaching and offers a Research Scholarship Online (RSO) database of citations from history-related publications for members. The site also provides information about the Teaching History Resource Center with links to and information about its resources and activities, a “Talking History” Radio Show, OAH’s quarterly, Journal of American History (available on-line), symposiums and conferences, calls for papers, awards and fellowships, member activities, and related links.
Prager University – An online resource promoting knowledge clarity in teaching American and Western Civilization ideas through free courses. In one series, radio talk show host Dennis Prager explains how the Ten Commandments led to the creation of Western Civilization and why they remain relevant in your life today. Ten-part series course.
Project VOTE Smart – A non-partisan, volunteer organization that provides citizens with tools to vote by researching backgrounds and records of political candidates and elected officials to discover their voting records, campaign contributions, public statements, biographical data, work history, and evaluations by special interest groups. Volunteers test candidates on their willingness to provide citizens with their positions on issues through the National Political Awareness Test (NPAT).
Providence Forum – An organization that seeks to preserve, defend, and advance the Judeo-Christian values of our nation’s founding. This forum seeks to reengage and renew the curious seeker as well as the committed citizen in these foundational values and in the stories of God’s Providence in American history. PF offers a Faith & Freedom Tour of Philadelphia in addition to other programs.
Reach Every Child – Developed by Horace Mann Educated Financial Solutions and nationally recognized teacher Alan Haskvitz, an educational resource for students and teachers to make reaching students and using technology easier. Links to national and state organizations, museums, non-profits, etc. are provided relating to all academic subject areas. Social studies links are grouped in areas including civics, government, current events, economics, public education, geography, and world leaders. History links include American and world history. The site also has a few lesson plans, a cultural/international studies section, and information on grants, scholarships, awards, and teacher recognition.
Supreme Court of the United States – Explains the Constitutional origin, nomination and appointment, jurisdiction, rulemaking power, court building, and terms of the Supreme Court. The site includes Supreme Court files and docket files, biographies of court justices, members of the supreme court, the court building, an argument calendar and transcripts, hearing lists, merit briefs, bar admissions forms, court rules, case handling guides, opinions, orders, and journals.
United States Department of Education – Highlights national educational initiatives and programs, current events and articles, research and statistics, instructional materials for specific subject areas and grade levels, policies and legislation, and grant programs. The Educational Resources section offers specific lesson ideas, instructional materials, and resources for history and social studies.
United States Department of Justice – Aims to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The department protects civil rights and liberties, fosters safe communities, and funds faith-based and community initiatives.
United States Department of State – This department is the lead foreign affairs agency representing America. It aims to shape a freer, more secure, and prosperous world through U.S. foreign policy.
United States Department of the Treasury – Includes a page about the history of the National Motto “In God We Trust” as it appears on coins and currency, including information about the proposal of the motto, congressional acts and laws for printing the motto on American currency, the appearance and reappearance of the motto on various coins and currency, the process of printing the motto, and denomination production and delivery dates for currency bearing the motto. The site features a historical timeline of the Department of the Treasury, an overview of the duties and functions of the department, and descriptions of the roles within the department. It contains a summary of the life and accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of Treasury (1757). “History of ‘In God We Trust.'”
United States Mint – Contains information on state coins, circulating coins, bullion, commemoratives and dollar coins. The site offers a reading room and a catalog.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Specializes in keeping America strong, safe, and free by remembering and honoring America’s armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families. Begun in 1899, VFW’s mission is to “honor the dead by helping the living” through veterans’ service, community service, national security, and strong national defense. With its Auxiliaries, VFW includes 2.3 million members in approximately 8,400 Posts worldwide. VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system, the fight for compensation for Vietnam and Gulf War vets, and the fight for improving medical services for women vets. VFW helps fund important military service and veteran memorials. It provides $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students each year. Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation – An educational and human rights non-profit organization dedicated to educating new generations about the ideology, history, and legacy of communism (facts rarely taught in schools or known by students) and ensuring that the millions who suffered underneath communist regimes are not forgotten. VOC is the only international organization dedicated to honoring the memory of the more than 100 million victims of communism worldwide. VOC offers a National Seminar for Middle and High School Educators in Washington, DC, as well as a middle and high school curriculum/lesson plan resource, Communism: Its Ideology, Its History, and Its Legacy, for public, private, and home schools across the country.
The White House – A symbol of the Presidency, the U. S. government, and the American people. The site contains a biography of the U. S. Presidents and histories as well as statements by and daily initiatives of Presidents regarding various issues, current events, and bills. The site also provides a history of the White House’s construction and development, tour information, and interesting characteristics and memories in the White House.
Organizations, Programs, & Projects
~State of Texas
Houston Independent School District (HISD) Social Studies Curriculum Department – Provides information on Heritage Months, Scope & Sequence of courses, textbooks, and web resources.
Lone Star Foundation – A Texas-based “think tank” devoted to providing resources and research needed for the development of public policy based on traditional Texas values of family, freedom, free enterprise, and the Constitution. The foundation sponsors the Lone Star Report, a weekly newsletter providing independent, non-partisan coverage and in-depth analysis of state affairs and government–the Texas legislature, special committees, elections, and state agencies. The Research Division offers analysis required to formulate innovative state policy. Briefings and reports provide officials and leaders with information to solve challenges in education, economy and finance, health care, welfare, criminal justice, and government adminstration.
Project V.O.T.E. – Voters of Tomorrow Through Education Program sponsored by the Texas Office of the Secretary of State to introduce students to the electoral and legislative processes and to help teachers teach these processes. The site includes student mock elections, a downloadable voter education program curriculum for teachers, a teacher handbook of strategies, student essay contest information, and additional resources and links.
State Bar of Texas – An administrative agency of the state’s judicial branch, provides teacher resources through the State Bar Law-Related Education (LRE) Program. LRE hosts conferences and provides training and curricula to public school teachers, covering topics like the U. S. Constitution, the judiciary, and the laws of Texas. Teacher lesson plans for students of all ages can be downloaded for classroom use. Resource lists and information about upcoming teacher conferences are provided. Other legal information can also be found regarding news and events, contacting a lawyer, and the Texas Bar Journal.
Texas Education Agency – TEA provides information on Texas education news, laws, rules, grants, professional development, and data. It reviews curriculum developed in the state of Texas. The Social Studies department provides information on social studies curriculum, assessment, and rules. The SS department also assists in implementation of Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) standards, oversees textbook adoption, and reviews state teacher certification for K-12 social studies programs in Texas. The TEA site provides information and resources on Texas Educational Service Centers (ESCs), the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, and the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in all subject areas including Social Studies. TEKS were developed to comply with §28.002(c) and (d) of the Texas Education Code. TEA also provides information on Texas Educational Service Centers (ESCs) which oversee educational administration and provide news and contacts in various regions of the state.
Texas Legislature Online – Provides information about special legislative sessions and session status regarding special issues as well as access to legislation including legislative reports and text, Summary and Status of Bills, Bill Numbers/Texts/Searches, and Amendments for the Legislatures 74 (1995) through 78 (2003). Research sections include Texas statutes, Texas Constitution, Administrative Code, legislative process, legislative glossary, capitol information, and dates of interest. A live broadcast option of House and Senate Chambers is available.
Texas Online – The State of Texas homepage contains links to various state sectors including business consumer services, education and training, employment, environment and natural resources, public records, community resources, travel and recreation, government, courts, criminal justice, and laws. The government section links to information on the courts and judiciary system, governor and executive branch , laws, codes and statutes, voting and elections, state agencies and officials, taxes, and legislature. The link to education and training includes information on state colleges and universities, libraries, financial assistance, military, and K-12. K-12 provides information on Education Service Centers, Regions, and school districts, with resources for educators, parents, and students on school profiles, student performance, staff, finances, and programs, funding and grants, professional partners, and more.
Texas Judicial Branch – Provides information about Texas courts and the judiciary system, the Texas Attorney General, and a directory of court cases and orders. The TJB is the interpretive authority in all civil and juvenile delinquency cases in the state.
Texas State Historical Association – TSHA Online – TSHA Online is a digital gateway to Texas history and allows you to experience the rich and complex history of the state through innovative online features and content. The site enables browsers to access the Handbook of Texas Online; order award-winning TSHA books; explore the Southwestern Historical Quarterly and SHQ Online; and learn about the TSHA’s many educational offerings, including the annual meeting and various programs for students and teachers of Texas history; and more. TSHA Online is created and maintained by the Texas State Historical Association in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and the General Libraries at the University of Texas at Austin.
Historical Content Resources
~Info, Events, & Documents
Archiving Early America: Historic Documents From 18th Century America – Focuses on supplying digitally -displayed primary source material from 18th Century America—newspapers, maps, writings and portraits as they originally appeared 200 years ago. The archive aims to achieve open access of historic documents to the public and thereby reawaken, encourage, and maintain the public’s interest in America’s early historical, societal roots. Documents range from the U. S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation to Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” George Washington’s Journal of Ohio Valley, and newspaper pages of the 1700’s in which important American figures’ writings and publishings appear
Artcyclopedia – Contains information and links to museums, exhibits, artist sites, and images related to artists and art movements of various time periods. The site includes information on paintings, architecture, and artists from the 17th-century to present, many of which (like John Trumbull, Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, Rembrandt Peale, Charles Willson Peale, and Alonzo Chappel, Gilbert Stuart, Charles Polk, and George Healy) painted American historical and national subjects.
Ben’s Guide to U. S. Government for Kids – A K-12 history and government educational resource featuring Ben Franklin from the U. S. Government Printing Office for parents, teachers, and students focusing on the foundations of the United States government. The site features easy-to-read information and links for historical documents, games, and activities on the Declaration, the Constitution, the branches of government, the election process, how laws are made, U. S. citizenship, U. S. government sites and publications, and curriculum links.
Encyclopedias Online – The FairFax, Virginia Online Library provides library card access to a number of online encyclopedias and references. The site also includes the “America the Beautiful” program.
Founding Fathers – Provides online texts of founding documents–the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Constitutional Amendments, and the Federalist Papers; a link to American and U. S. state flag information, history and heraldry; a Founding Fathers Image Gallery with clip art and images of Founders and early America; and a link to Founding Fathers quotes.
From Revolution to Reconstruction: A Hypertext on American History from the Colonial Period Until Modern Times – The product of a student writing project, this site provides an extensive and comprehensive collection of primary texts and essays influential in American history, from the Magna Carta before 1400 to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. Essays by various authors with different views about subjects regarding American history and culture are also included. The site contains a biography index for persons influential in American history and culture including a section with information on the U. S. Presidents and their speeches, writings, and biographies.
The History Channel – Website offers an audio-visual archive of videos, speeches, documentaries, and features on subjects related to U. S. history including historical events, elections, domestic and foreign relations, presidents and important figures, inventions, innovations, society, culture, mysteries, etc.
The History Channel: The History of Thanksgiving – A mini-site providing Thanksgiving history and facts, featuring a video on the origins of Thanksgiving, the Thanksgiving Proclamation text, and information on the first Thanksgiving regarding what the Pilgrims and Wampanoag natives cooked and ate and what their prayers were. The site offers Thanksgiving fun facts, myths, videos, a quiz, and related resources.
Hyper History Online – Contains over 2,000 files covering 3,000 years of world history from B. C. to present day. Sections include information on various time periods of major civilizations, important persons, and important events in science, culture, religion, and politics. The site includes regional maps, a map of World War I, and maps for the seven periods of world history and civilization. As a companion to the website, Hyper History offers a “hard copy” world history wall chart and book to give students an understanding of historical forces that shape today’s global affairs through a visual, chronological, and synchronistic presentation. The synchronoptic chart features facts, timelines, lifelines, events, and historical color maps depicting the nations and world history.
iCivics – Provides free, digital, non-partisan educational games and tools for K-12 teachers and students to help reimagine, transform, and strengthen civic education in America and to engage students in meaningful civic learning. iCivics’ innovative, engaging games help teach abstract concepts through real-life problems, allowing young people to learn how government works by experiencing it–by stepping into the role of judge, congress member, community activist, president, etc.
Liberty! The American Revolution – A series of six one-hour documentaries originally broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in November 1997, is accompanied and explored by this official on-line companion. The series covers the two-and-a-half decade story of the American Revolution beginning with the French and Indian War and ending with the creation of the Constitution. The site includes a chronicle of the Revolution with headlines, timelines, and resource materials. It also includes historical information presented via visual aids, a photo-essay, and a revolutionary game.
Mayflowerhistory.com – Developed by researcher Caleb Johnson, provides history on the Mayflower vessel voyage and Pilgrims who came to America The site contains information on ship passengers and crew, voyage, events, Cape Cod, historical and modern Plymouth, encounters between Pilgrims and the natives, native culture, and survival. Maps, descriptions, pictures, and photos are also viewable. The site also includes information for teachers, museums and societies links, and related books and readings that include primary sources and historical documents.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – An independent federal agency that oversees the management of all federal records and houses and preserves the United States federal government’s important legal, historical, and founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution, Gettysburg Address, the Federal Papers, etc., available in full-text transcripts and high -resolution images. The Declaration page, for example, contains facts and history of the Declaration, the context in which it was written, the Virginia Declaration of Rights and other influences, author Thomas Jefferson, and stylistic artistry. Thousands of holdings are available for research through an electronic archival catalog, databases, and records. The site features historical documents, federal records, presidential libraries, veterans and military service, and geneology and family history. Lessons referencing NARA files are also available.
National Atlas and Maps of the United States – A federal resource for information on people, places , and resources of the United States and North America. The site provides information and tools for printable, wall, and dynamic maps with layers of visual information. Users can customize maps to print or view, investigate layers to mix and match when map-making, print pre-formatted maps on a variety of topics, play with interactive maps, download data from mapping professionals, and read articles on related topics. The site includes specifics on agriculture, biology, boundaries, climate, environment, geology, government, history, people, transportation, and water.
Our Documents – Includes a complete list of of the 100 milestone documents, from the founding of the country through 1965–from the Lee Resolution of 1776 to the Voting Rights Act of 1965–compiled by the National Archives and Records Administration and drawn from nationwide holdings. The documents consist of public laws, supreme court decisions, inaugural speeches, treaties, constitutional amendments, etc. that have influenced the course of U. S. history, helped shape the country and our national character, and reflect our diversity, unity, and commitment in working toward “a more perfect union.” Includes the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Gettysburg Address, and more. Also found are tools for teachers such as an Our Documents book and information on National History Day student and teacher competitions. Our Documents aims to present and teach about the rights and responsibilities of citizens in our democracy and our commitment as a nation to strive “to form a more perfect union.”
Plimoth Plantation – A living history museum dedicated to colonial Pilgrim and Wampanoag Native American education of the colonial times when the Pilgrims established their first colony at Plymouth. The site features educational exhibits and collections, Mayflower and colonial English village information, colonial and native archeology, online learning center, field trips and local/traveling workshops, speakers, homeschool day, scout program, teacher workshops, curriculum frameworks, resource catalog, maps, timeline, links, videos, and blog.
Smithsonian American Art Museum – Allows browsers to search collections of American artwork, ask art information specialists questions, and find online art information resources. The Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture includes over 360,000 works from private and public collections nationwide. The Peter A. Juley & Son Collection consists of 127,000 photo negatives documenting the works of 11,000 American artists between 1896-1975. The collection also includes 2,500 portrait images of artists. The Pre-1877 Art Exhibition Catalogue Index describes over 136,000 works of art and includes American and European artists of all art media. The Smithsonian Institution Libraries Catalog can also be accessed from this site.
Smithsonian Institution – Composed of sixteen museums, galleries, and associations including museums of American History, Natural History, American Art, Air and Space, and the National Zoo as well as a Portrait Gallery. The institution also includes numerous research facilities in the United States and abroad. The website provides links to the museum holdings and information on exhibitions, publications, and research.
State Symbols USA – Dedicated to encouraging appreciation for U. S. natural resources and pride of cultural heritage through emphasis on education, participation in government, and conservation. This site features national symbols like the Great Seal as well as each state’s flag, symbols, and cultural heritage images.
Swords in Their Hands: George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy –
A book by Dave Richards, published by Pisgah Press (2014). The story of a plot that put the American republic on the brink of a coup. It explains how Army officers who had gone without pay during the Revolutionary War along with nationalist politicians plotted to terrify the states into giving Congress taxation power to raise funds, due to an army “ready to revolt.” Ultimately, it shows how Washington, appealing to his officers’ sense of public virtue, ended the conspiracy. Swords in their Hands – Excerpts & Summary for Teachers;
Teacher Packet for Newburgh Conspiracy Lesson; Student Handouts for Newburgh Conspiracy Lesson
United States Flag – Contains information about all aspects of the American flag such as its development, evolution, history, and significance. The site addresses American and patriotic songs which mention the flag , the proper holidays to display the flag, and the ways to appropriately display this national symbol based on the Federal Flag Code.
USA Patriotism – A non-political site with a mission to foster better awareness, reinforcement, and love of America among citizens along with better understanding and positive attitudes about America among other countries. The site includes creative poems, articles, stories, quotes, songs/music, photos, videos, images/graphics, and references about America, patriotism, events, values, leaders, defenders, citizens, and heroes.
U. S. Scouting Service Project – Provides a link to U. S. flag information with guidelines for the U. S. flag opening and retiring ceremonies and flag code as well as information on the U. S. Seal and National Motto.
UShistory.org – Provides online resources on historical documents and related materials. Declaration of Independence materials include information about the signers of the Declaration, the history of the Declaration, Jefferson’s account of the Declaration, and a Declaration poster. The site also offers a print shop for historical documents and posters.
Historical Content Resources
~Founding Fathers, Presidents, & People
American President: An Online Reference Resource – Developed by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, this site is an online resource of in-depth information on each U. S. President and his administration. The site includes biographical information, key events, speeches, library resources, and speakers related to each president’s administration as well as presentations of the First Ladies, cabinet members, staff, and advisors.
Ammo Resistance Library – A library collection of publications and factual quotes of the Founding Fathers to arm Americans “physically and philosophically to defend our civil liberties.” This library includes excerpts from the Founding Fathers and U. S. Presidents on various topics on America’s founding, the Bill of Rights amendments, independence, democracy, freedom, patriotism, law and order, education, religious freedom, military, gun rights, privacy, politics, finance, parenting, preparedeness, and health. The library also contains guides, podcasts, and articles on constitutional civil liberties, gun rights, flags, historic dates, unsung heroes, self-defense, and foreign analysis.
Colonial Hall: Biographies of the Founding Fathers presents the biographies, portraits, and homes of America’s Founding Fathers and the signers of the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, and the U. S. Constitution. Biographies are included of the wives of the signers. Biographies are primarily taken from Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence by Charles A. Goodrich (1829) and The United States Manual of Biography and History by James V. Marshall (James B. Smith & Co, 1856).
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens – A guide to George Washington’s Virginia plantation and the man who became the first president of the United States. The site offers information about George Washington; lesson plans, lesson contest, teacher resources, and biographical information; exhibits and tours; portrait project; field trip programs; a teacher institute; free distance learning DVDs and broadcasts; and an online teacher blog. Some lesson topics include manners and mores in Washington’s America, establishing a presidency, civic virtue, George and Martha Washington, Washington’s leadership, establishing a nation, and greatest presidents.
National Portrait Gallery – Dedicated to the exhibition and study of portraits of people who have made significant contributions to American history and culture and to the artists who created such portraiture. The site offers various paintings, drawings, and sculptures of figures including some early U. S. Presidents, Founding Fathers, and colonials engaged in the American Revolution.
Presidents of the United States (Internet Public Library) – Links to biographical information on all the U.S. presidents and includes highlights of their administrations and election results.
Historical Content Resources
~Libraries / Collections
Academic Info U. S. Colonial American Digital Library – Provides links to important early historical figures and their writings, classic books and papers, political writings and prints, primary source material, trials and cases, writings on American federalism and democracy, religious writings and petitions, documents from Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, historical maps, collections, and databases. General directories are also accessible for other American historical eras relating to the New Republic and Modern America. Academic Info is an educational directory of high school, college, and research level Internet resources. It selects organizes, and reviews quality educational websites for students, educators, and researchers.
American Memory – Organizes over 100 collections from 7 million historical documents, photographs, maps, films, and audio recordings from the Library of Congress relating to American history, life, and culture . Collection topics range from government and law, immigration and American expansion, presidents, and industry to religion, literature, architecture, environment, advertising, music, and more. The site provides resources for teachers on using the collections in the classroom with lesson plans and a Teaching With Primary Sources professional development program.
Berkeley Digital Library SunSITE – Presents an extensive list of more than 1,000 library servers in over 45 countries on six continents.
Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) – An online library of educational and academic research, information, and literature, including many peer-reviewed resources. The site is overseen by the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES). The mission of IES is to provide rigorous and relevant evidence on which to ground education practice and policy and share this information broadly. By identifying what works, what doesn’t, and why, IES aims to improve educational outcomes for all students.
Internet Public Library – An on-line public library for the Internet community that includes directories of online texts, newspapers, magazines, reference materials. Special sections for youth and teens.
Library of Congress – The largest U. S. federal cultural institution. It has a massive collection in books and other media. Search databases and view multimedia exhibits and news. This web site of DC’s major reference library includes information on upcoming events and a guide to visiting the library and its facilities.
Regent University Law Library – Useful for both law students and patrons, houses significant materials for research in public policy and law as well as special collections such as the Founders Collection consisting of over a thousand volumes spanning four centuries and including early American imprints, treatises, reports, and early state and federal materials from Congressional debates. The library offers an extensive First Amendment & Civil Rights collection. The online catalog provides access to other library catalogs and databases like Legaltrac, Infotrac, and FirstSearch.
Smithsonian Institution Libraries – Contain Galaxy of Knowledge sections on Mosaic of Science, Industry & Technology, Art & Design, and American Discovery. The site includes links to a digital library, exhibitions, special collections, and research and internships. A Galaxy of Images catalogs thousands of image and illustration highlights from the library collections including America and history. The site provides overviews and/or link access to museum libraries and research/resource centers.
Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS) – Makes the Smithsonian Institution Libraries Catalog accessible. It is composed of 1.5 million volumes of books, manuscripts, photographs, periodicals, exhibition catalogs, professional publications, and e-versions and digital editions of rare books and exhibits. Topics include art, history and culture, natural and physical sciences, and air and space.
University of Texas Libraries – The University of Texas at Austin online library catalog, offers access to eight million books, journals, materials, and other selected web resources. Provides access to catalogs and holdings of all the university and college libraries, centers, and museums as well as to interlibrary catalogs.
WorldCat – The world’s largest library. Connects to collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide.
Teaching Resources
~Educational Sites & Products
Antiquarium Antique Print Gallery – Provides an assortment of fine antique national and world maps, globes, historical memorabilia, naturalist prints, and other framed gifts.
Church World Direct – Information on homeschool conferences, seminars, K-12 homeschool curriculum and resources, and distance learning.
Education Corner – Database of colleges, universities, higher education programs, and online/distance learning programs and degrees. Editor-reviewed education resources.
Education Research Analysts – Provides analysis, reviews, and recommendations of public and private school textbooks approved in Texas (and often used nationwide) in all subjects based on accuracy, objectivity, and coverage of important concepts and content.
Find Art Info – Contains price info on art from 14th-century to the present, including work by artists of American history such as John Trumbull and Arnold Friberg. The site includes art links to state art education associations, publications, museums, and exhibitions.
Histomap of World History – An informative and visually stimulating chart depicting 4,000 years of the ebb and flow of world civilizations of governments, nations, and cultures in human history. The chart is color -coded for easy viewing and graphs civilizations in 50 year-increments starting from 2,000. B. C. E. and spanning through the formation of the United States and into the mid 20th-century.
Home Educators Resource Directory – An online directory dedicated to sharing valuable resources with the home education/homeschool community. HERD meets the growing homeschool demand by providing web links and listings to global, national, and state organizations and resources. Resources include worldwide and national directories, curricula, lesson plans, classes, services, suppliers, support groups, publications, and community opportunities. The HERD directory is available in a printable CD format and is updated regularly, providing timely information to subscribers via email.
Homeschool.com – Provides information on and support for top homeschooling programs, curriculum, styles, and products. This site offers help in learning about and choosing the right program, answers to questions, resources, news, and more.
Homeschool Base – A community-run and volunteer-based modern resource for all things homeschooling. The site features an eclectic collection of homeschooling resources, news, information, and blogs. It serves as a middle ground between academia, news, blogs, and resource sites. It is a foundational center of operation for new and experienced homeschoolers. AHEF was nominated by the homeschool community for Homeschool Base’s Top 10 Best Educational Websites for 2017.
The Homeschool Mom – Offers support for the homeschooling mom with information on free and recommended resources, curriculum, lesson plans, educational websites, planners, and support groups. The network offers a newsletter, motivating articles, a site of the week, and more related to home organization, current events, homeschool styles, parenting, and related topics.
Homeschool.com – A homeschool online community that provides homeschool curriculum, guides, resources, articles, support groups, forums, and more. Resources are provided in subject and topic specific areas.
HomeschoolMagazines.com – Mindful homeschool resources that are non-religious and non-secular. Serves all who are interested in alternative education. Its Homeschool News Link includes an extensive product information guide on various educational topics and products, curricula, and school/teaching subjects for K-12 homeschoolers.
K-12 Teaching & Learning Center – A member-supported resource for K-12 educators, students and families. Members of the K-12 TLC may be K-12 teachers and administrators, a teacher and their class, an entire school, a homeschool teacher, or another adult with an interest in K-12 education. The site presents featured hot topics and current events with case studies, a free Teacher’s Daily Planner, subscriptions to The Teacher’s Daily Almanac, and teacher guides in geography, history, social studies, language arts, and interdisciplinary studies. The TLC also offers student, teacher, and parent members special on-line centers for their needs, library and media resources, internet tools, and professional development activities.
Lifeway’s Homeschool Education Resource Directory – For parents, homeschooling is one of the most important decisions they will make, and trustworthy resources are important. LifeWay, a leading Christian publisher and retailer, has been a trusted source for products, services, and information for more than 120 years, serving millions of individuals and more than 120,000 churches annually. LifeWay’s Homeschool Education Resource Directory is an excellent resource for parents seeking information about homeschool curricula, teaching aids, and conventions; tips about teaching and learning; and giveaways from sponsors. Visit www.lifeway.com/homeschooldirectory.
Maps of the Past – Offers over 1,500 historic maps and a library and archive with 10,000 items. Maps date from as early as the 16th century and are in categories including but not limited to U. S. maps, state and county maps, city and township maps, plat and landowner maps, mining and railroad maps, civil war maps, USGS Topo maps, USCS Nautical Survey maps, political maps and charts, river maps, Lewis & Clark maps, and panoramic and bird’s eye view maps. International maps are also available. Discounts for teachers and students.
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine – Provides homeschooling moms with practical information, tips, curriculum reviews, answers to questions, and other help and encouragement for homeschooling. The website also offers a homeschool store of products and resources.
Truth in Textbooks (TNT) – Provides citizen and expert reviews, critiques, and fact-checking of K-12 Social Studies textbooks used in public schools in America. The coalition aims to improve the factual accuracy of textbooks.
