Teaching & Learning with Historic Places

Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) offers resources, lesson plans, and teaching tools to engage with powerful stories representing America’s diverse history. We invite educators, interpreters, and curious learners to virtually explore our shared past through real historic places. 

Historic places in National Parks and in the National Register of Historic Places enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects.   

Historic places offer connections across time, encouraging empathy for the people who shaped our past. TwHP materials enable teachers and students to learn from places without leaving their learning spaces. Teaching with Historic Places is included in the African American Civil Rights Network, which encompasses historic sites and interpretive programs associated with the African American Civil Rights movement in the United States.  

Photo of a statue of two people in front of Old Courthouse.
Teacher's Guide to America 250

This guide highlights lessons that give students a sense of place with connections to the American Independence anniversary themes.

Black and white image of white and Black man working with Color American flag in background.
Talking with the Past

15-minute video guides to using different types of primary sources like newspapers or posters.

Children looking at a book.
Find Lesson Plans

Discover a wide range of TwHP lessons searchable by location, theme, or time period.

Infographic depicting the word "curiosity" and historical images of people.
Curiosity Kits

Intended for families, historic site interpreters, and curious minds, these kits explore topics in US history and offer fun activities.

Black and white overhead photo of airplanes lined up in hangar
World War II Lessons

Explore World War II lessons with highlighted lessons on African American and Women's history on the World War II home front.

Painting of school children. SAAM
(H)our History Lessons

Explore series of lessons that are ready to be taught bell to bell on key topics in the US History Curriculum.

Side shot of a row of historic buildings.
Research It!

Use the National Register to research historic places in your community.

Cartoon hands using touch screen
More Teaching Treats

Explore more tools and activities related to Teaching with Historic Places.

Child reading a book.
Storytime with Historic Places

Take library patrons on a journey of the imagination in a storytime about heritage and historic places that matter.

Last updated: October 24, 2024

Real Places, Real World

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