The papers of nineteenth-century African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), who escaped from slavery and then risked his freedom by becoming an outspoken antislavery lecturer, writer, and publisher, consist of approximately 7,400 items (38,000 images), most of which were digitized from 34 reels of previously produced microfilm. The collection spans the years 1841-1964, with the bulk of the material dating from 1862 to 1895. Many of Douglass’s earlier writings were destroyed when his house in Rochester, New York, burned in 1872.

In this video segment adapted from American Experience: "Freedom Riders," watch newsreel footage, archival photos, and interviews to explore how Freedom Riders made efforts to end the segregation of African Americans in the Southern United States. Even after the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that the segregation of black and white riders on interstate buses was unconstitutional, Southern states continued to enforce local segregation laws. In response, members of both races decided to force the issue and challenge illegal segregation by riding together in buses headed to the South.

In this video segment adapted from American Experience: "Freedom Riders," view newsreel footage, archival photos, and interviews to explore how the Freedom Rides of 1961 brought about the end of racial segregation in interstate transportation. The Freedom Riders, aware that their nonviolent protest would elicit violence from some Southerners attempting to enforce local segregation laws, were determined to continue their protest even in the face of possible arrest. A series of events involving the U.S. attorney general, a U.S. senator, the governor of Mississippi, and a federal agency put an end to discriminatory practices in public transportation. This initial, unambiguous victory for the Civil Rights Movement paved the way for further progress.

In addition to helping black residents register to vote and establishing the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, education was another important goal of Freedom Summer. Years of substandard and segregated schools and libraries had contributed to high rates of illiteracy (which, in turn, had led to disenfranchisement) and a lack of knowledge about black history and culture. Volunteers teaching in the Freedom Schools found that adults as well as children were eager to learn. The experience gave many black people newfound hope that things were about to change.

Analyze the Siege of Yorktown using the report General George Washington sent to the Continental Congress with a transcription of the primary source provided by George Washington’s Mount Vernon. After a decisive week of fighting at the Siege of Yorktown, General George Washington wrote this letter to the President of the Continental Congress, Thomas McKean; his account of the preceding action shows the Colonial forces are positioned for success.

The William A. Gladstone Collection of African American Photographs provides almost 350 images showing African Americans and related military and social history. The Civil War era is the primary time period covered, with scattered examples through 1945. Most of the images are photographs, including 270 cartes de visite. For the list of approximately 100 different photographers, see the Creator/Related Names Index.

This resource is a free, downloadable audio file of short music clips to use for instruction.

This resource is a free, downloadable audio file of short music clips to use for instruction.

Information from the Children’s Bureau on the health benefits of gratitude and how to teach.

This resource is a free, downloadable audio file of short music clips to use for instruction.

This resource is a free, downloadable audio file of short music clips to use for instruction.

In the Great Job! video series, real professionals give middle and high school students a behind-the-scenes look at their exciting careers.

The newest videos in the series highlight: a Biomedical Engineer, Radiologist, Machinist, Prosthetic Specialist, and a Sonographer.

A Short Activity for Fifth Grade
Question: How does the U.S. Constitution organize the government?
Note: The "Guidance on Government: Federal Edition" Powerpoint, also available in eMedia, was created to accompany this lesson plan.

A Short Activity for Fifth Grade
Question: How does the U.S. Constitution organize the government?
Note: The "Guidance on Government: Federal Edition" lesson plan, also available in eMedia, was created to accompany this PowerPoint.

A Short Activity for Fourth Grade
Question: How does the Florida Constitution organize the government?
Note: The "Guidance on Government: State Edition" Powerpoint, also available in eMedia, was created to accompany this lesson plan.

A Short Activity for Fourth Grade
Question: How does the Florida Constitution organize the government?
Note: The "Guidance on Government: State Edition" lesson plan, also available in eMedia, was created to accompany this PowerPoint.

Primary Source documents commenting on the plight of women, children, and the working class in the late 19th century.

These Guiding Principles for Language Learning identify what is effective in language learning and guide educators and learners. They are presented to lead and shape the discussion on effective instructional practices, useful to learners, educators, parents, administrators, governing bodies and boards, legislators, and the community at large.