Primary Source Learning: Protest & Reform Primary Source Set

American Federation of Hosiery Workers protest against the boycott of Japanese silk
Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about protest and reform in the United States. (For background information, check the bibliographic records for dates then review the relevant sections of the American Memory timeline.) Related primary source collections highlighted on the Primary Source Nexus are linked to below. The story may be in digital or print form. It could be nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or even a song. Click on each thumbnail image below to access the full size primary source. You may also use this primary set for a found poetry activity.


Protest against child labor in a labor paradeProtest against child labor in a labor parade

Demonstrators opposed to the ERA in front of the White HouseDemonstrators opposed to the ERA in front of the White House

Pittsburgh 1919 strikers demonstrating in carPittsburgh 1919 strikers demonstrating in car

Women's lib march from Farrugut Sq to Layfette PkWomen’s lib march from Farrugut Sq to Layfette Pk

Congress of Racial Equality march for Negro youngsters killed in Birmingham bombingsCongress of Racial Equality march for Negro youngsters killed in Birmingham bombings

Parade of UnemployedParade of Unemployed

Ku Klux Klan members supporting Barry Goldwater's campaign for the presidential nomination
Ku Klux Klan members supporting Barry Goldwater’s campaign for the presidential nomination

Little Rock, 1959. Rally at state capitol
Little Rock, 1959. Rally at state capitol

Children appealing to the President for the release of political prisonersChildren appealing to the President for the release of political prisoners

Civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama
Civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama

Margaret Hinchey, head of the Laundry Workers Union of New YorkMargaret Hinchey, head of the Laundry Workers Union of New York

Iran Hostage Crisis student demonstration

Iran Hostage Crisis student demonstration

Picket line at the King Farm strikePicket line at the King Farm strike

A. Philip Randolph to NAACP Secretary Walter White: mass march
A. Philip Randolph to NAACP Secretary Walter White: mass march
Susan B. Anthony: women ministers & suffragist sculpture
Susan B. Anthony: women ministers & suffragist sculpture

Veterans march to WashingtonVeterans march to Washington

Minutes: First Annual Meeting of the American Moral Reform Society
Minutes: First Annual Meeting of the American Moral Reform Society
Nixon sends GIs into Cambodia
Nixon sends GIs into Cambodia
Gay rights demonstration at the Democratic National Convention, New York CityGay rights demonstration at the Democratic National Convention, New York City Protest signs against Republican policies, Republican National Convention
Protest signs against Republican policies, Republican National Convention
The Women's March to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues The Women’s March to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues

Additional protest/reform resources

Library blog posts

Library online exhibitions

Related resources