Our Story: American History Stories and Activities You Can Do Together
Have you ever thought about the women who shaped your life today? The sacrifices they’ve made, the obstacles they overcame, or the memorable times in history they lived through? Explore the women in your family or community who have made an impact on who you are today. Read more »
Before the 1860s, most of the people living on the Great Plains were Native Americans. In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act, allowing men or women who were 21 years old or older to "stake a claim" to 160 acres of land. Homesteaders agreed to build a home within six months and then live there for the next five years. Read more »
The Pueblo Indians of New Mexico have been living in the upper region of the Rio Grande River for more than 600 years. During that time, their way of life has been challenged many times, but they have managed to maintain their most basic beliefs and traditions. Read more »
During World War II, the United States was at war with Japan. By an executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, all Americans of Japanese descent living in military exclusion zones on the West Coast were forced to leave their homes and move to internment camps. Read more »
Men, women, and children from the west coast of Africa were captured and forced onto slave ships that sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to North America. During the long two-month trip, many became sick and died. Those who survived were sold at auction to the highest bidder. Families were separated never to be reunited. Read more »
Featured Pages
Great Women of Our Pasts
Have you ever thought about the women who shaped your life today? The sacrifices they’ve made, the obstacles they overcame, or the memorable times in history they lived through? Explore the women in your family or community who have made an impact on who you are today. Read more »
Life in a Sod House
Before the 1860s, most of the people living on the Great Plains were Native Americans. In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act, allowing men or women who were 21 years old or older to "stake a claim" to 160 acres of land. Homesteaders agreed to build a home within six months and then live there for the next five years. Read more »
Pueblo Pots
The Pueblo Indians of New Mexico have been living in the upper region of the Rio Grande River for more than 600 years. During that time, their way of life has been challenged many times, but they have managed to maintain their most basic beliefs and traditions. Read more »
Life in a World War Two Japanese Internment Camp
During World War II, the United States was at war with Japan. By an executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, all Americans of Japanese descent living in military exclusion zones on the West Coast were forced to leave their homes and move to internment camps. Read more »
Slave Life and the Underground Railroad
Men, women, and children from the west coast of Africa were captured and forced onto slave ships that sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to North America. During the long two-month trip, many became sick and died. Those who survived were sold at auction to the highest bidder. Families were separated never to be reunited. Read more »
Featured Activities
Read This Book
Vejigante Masquerader
by Lulu Delacre
The bilingual tale of Ramon, who longs to masquerade as a vejigante with his older brothers in the Carnival tradition of Puerto Rico. Learn more »
