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…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Celebrating America

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…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: 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?…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Victrola Book of the 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…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition

Guided Primary Source Analysis: 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition

Which U.S. states had buildings at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago? Label them with their state abbreviations on the map. Describe 10 objects you see on the map; on another page, note the location of each object (hint: use the map coordinates). Pass your object description list to someone and challenge that friend to…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Virginia by Capt. John Smith

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Virginia by Capt. John Smith

Use the zoom feature online or access a larger image of this map (zoomable map | enlarged map). What details do you notice first? What else strikes you as interesting? Why do you think John Smith made this map? What scale is used for this map? What scale is typically used for maps today? The map…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Phrenological Delineation of His Character

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Phrenological Delineation of His Character

Divide the characteristics listed in this source into positive and negative traits; use a dictionary to help you. Which characteristics listed do you possess? Read this short article to find out who was assassinated, or killed, by Charles Guiteau. What else did you learn from the article? Use a dictionary to discover what phrenology is. What…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St Louis” Airplane

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St Louis” Airplane

Part of the Smithsonian Institution’s mission is “Shaping the future by preserving our heritage . . .” Why do you think the Smithsonian chose to display this artifact?  Find out more about Charles Lindbergh. Imagine you are your age in 1927, reading about his accomplishment. How do you feel? What dreams does this historic flight inspire…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Lessons for My Community

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Lessons for My Community

  This source is listed as a letter with illustrated fable. What is the moral or lesson of the story? Read more about the author and recipient of this letter. What interesting information did you uncover? Write and illustrate your own brief fable that contains a lesson useful for your school or local community. What…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Steam engine, cam ring & hammer shaft

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Steam engine, cam ring & hammer shaft

Use a magnifying glass to study the details of this design drawing? What did you learn? What types of skills do you need to have to be an industrial designer? What similar types of skills do you have? Imagine a new industrial product and sketch the design. How will this product advance industry? What other…