Maya Dresden Codex

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Maya Dresden Codex

Compare and contrast this image with the other codex images included in the Heavens and Time section of the Exploring the Early Americas online exhibition. What similarities and differences do you notice? Investigate a codex-style vase. What did you learn? Describe a new insight you gained about the image above or another codex image. The Dresden Codex is…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Indian Timothy Memorial Bridge

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Indian Timothy Memorial Bridge

The caption lists the date of creation of this photo to be 1993. Do you think the bridge was built around the same time as the photo was taken? Why or why not? Look carefully at details in the photograph and the bibliographic record. What purpose do you think this bridge serves? Can you find this…

July 4th fireworks, Washington, D.C.

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Celebrating America

What do you see in this image? Jot down notes about what you see. What do you think about the details you noticed? How does this source make you feel? What questions do you have? Read the article from America’s Library, Independence Day: Americans Celebrate the Birth of Their Nation, then answer the question at…

Doctor Fesler, physician and surgeon has arrived in Washington

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Doctor Fesler has arrived

Reverse Take a close look at the text features and illustrations on both sides of this leaflet. What information do you think the author wanted to highlight? What do you think readers would walk away remembering? Compare and contrast the information provided by the illustrations and bold text with the narrative text on the reverse side of…

Irishmen - avenge the Lusitania

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Irishmen – Avenge the Lusitania

Use image and textual details to describe the purpose of this poster. Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to find out about the sinking of the Lusitania. What did you find out? What surprised you the most or had the biggest impact on you? The audience for this poster was the Irish—Irish men, in…

Poor Illinois!

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Poor Illinois!

Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to look for more information about the Haymarket anarchists. Describe and explain something that you discovered. Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to look for more information about Peter Altgeld. Describe and explain his relationship to the Haymarket anarchists. Read the story, “Bloody Battle at a Coal Mine” published…

Grand Canyon

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Grand Canyon Tourist Map

List the different data you find on this map (view larger image). Conduct research to compare the data from this map from 1977 with current information and statistics. What similarities and differences did you find? Investigate reasons for the change(s) in data; describe your findings. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let…

The Red flag or the anarchists of Chicago

Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Red Flag or the Anarchists of Chicago

Using only specific details from this primary source, what type of person is an anarchist? Use the Primary Source Nexus search bar to find out more about the Chicago anarchists. Describe three things you learned and two things you would like to learn more about. There is a post on the Primary Source Nexus that features…

A Thanksgiving Truce

Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Thanksgiving Truce

Why do you think the creator titled this cartoon “A Thanksgiving Truce”? Use specific details from the source to support your response. What do you think the bear meant when it said (with deep feeling), “Here’s hoping that when next we meet, we see you first”? What more can you learn by reading the source record?…

L'Africana - L'Africaine Opera

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Victrola Book of the Opera

Explain what you know about opera. Click the image above to access the digital book. Choose one opera and read the description. Summarize the story for a friend. Listen to one of the songs from the opera you selected. Then fill out a sensory exploration chart as you listen to the recording again. After, describe…

C&O Canal, Georgetown DC

Guided Primary Source Analysis: C&O Canal, Georgetown D.C.

What feeling do you get from looking at this painting? What details or techniques do you think are responsible for that feeling? What does the artwork seem to suggest about the C&O Canal? Use details from the painting to support your conclusion. Compare and contrast this painting with photographs of the C&O canal. What similarities…