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Collections: Learning History Through Objects: The Paradox of Liberty

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"The paradox of the American Revolution―the fight for liberty in an era of widespread slavery―is embedded in the foundations of the United States. The tension between slavery and freedom—who belongs and who is excluded—resonates through the nation’s history and spurs the American people to wrestle constantly with building “a more perfect Union.” This paradox was embedded in national institutions that are still vital in the nation to this day." - intro to learning activity The exercise has students reflect on the words of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth Freeman (Mum Bett), and Toussaint Louverture and apply their learning in evaluating this paradox.

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: NMAAHC Education, Smithsonian

Collections :: From 1619 to the American Civil Rights Movement to Today

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"This collection brings together the New York Times Podcast 1619 (Episode 1, "The Fight for a True Democracy") and Smithsonian resources to support my 7th graders as we begin our unit on the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the unit, the students will read March, a graphic novel based on the experience of former Congressman John Lewis during the Civil Rights Movement. In order for the students to understand why the Civil Rights Movement was necessary, they must first understand the history that led to it. This collection does not, by any means, provide a complete or comprehensive history. The podcast provides an historical overview and will serve as a jumping off point for further research. The visual artwork, poetry, articles, and films included at the end serve to provide additional perspectives and opportunities for exploration. The students will develop their own research questions inspired by the thinking they've done throughout this collection and may use the additional resources provided to begin their independent research. A PowerPoint lesson on developing research questions is included."

Material Type: Activity/Lab

Authors: Marissa McCauley, Smithsonian Education

Evolution of Slavery

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Slavery has existed around the world for generations. It has spanned across cultures and spread throughout continents, leaving its mark on families, communities, countries, governments and industry. Its reach continues to exist today. In this lesson, students will hear about the history of slavery and examine how it has evolved over time.

Material Type: Lesson

Author: C-SPAN

Tobacco and Slavery in Colonial Virginia

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Karen Sherry, curator at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond’s exhibit on 400 years of African American history describe the importance of tobacco on the Virginia Colony's economy and the reliance on slave labor during that time. She also discussed the severe punishments runaway slaves faced on these tobacco plantations.

Material Type: Lesson

Author: C-SPAN

The Domestic Slave Trade

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American History TV presented live coverage from the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. They showed exhibits chronicling the African American story from slavery through the inauguration of the first African American president. This clip features legislation and the Domestic Slave Trade.

Material Type: Homework/Assignment, Lecture

Author: C-SPAN

The Haitian Revolution of 1791

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On August 22, 1791 the only successful slave revolt began in the modern day nation of Haiti. Author Philippe Girard talks about how Haiti has changed since the revolution and he recounts the life of former slave Toussaint Louverture whose rose to lead the revolution and ultimately brought freedom to his people.

Material Type: Homework/Assignment, Lesson

Author: C-SPAN

Poet Phillis Wheatley

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R. Scott Stephenson, Vice President of Collections, Exhibitions and Programming at the museum of the American Revolution explained the life and significance of Phillis Wheatley during the time of the American Revolution. During this time, Phillis Wheatley became the first published African American poet and was well known in England and the American colonies.

Material Type: Homework/Assignment, Lesson

Author: C-SPAN

The African Slave Trade and the Middle Passage

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A look at the Slavery and Freedom exhibit at the recently opened National Museum of African American History and Culture on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. American History TV presented live coverage from the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. They showed exhibits chronicling the African American story from slavery through the inauguration of the first African American president. This clip features elements surrounding the African Slave Trade and the Middle Passage

Material Type: Lesson

Author: C-SPAN

African American History Since the Civil Rights Movement

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In this media gallery, you will find a series of videos from The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross that examines the major movements and turning points in African American history from 1968 to the present, including the Black Panthers and the Black Power movement, Afrocentricity in culture, the rise of the black middle class, the development of hip hop culture, the effects of the War on Drugs, and the election of Barack Obama. As you view the videos, consider the legacy of the civil rights movement, the tensions that emerged from the progress made, and how they reshaped the African American experience.

Material Type: Primary Source

Author: The WNET Group

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