American History through Film: Civil War and Cinema taught by Gena Oppenheim (teacher at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, NY, and Hamilton Education Program Senior Education Fellow)
Grade Levels: Middle and High School (grades 6–12)
This course examined award-winning films like Glory, Little Women, and Lincoln to learn how films affect the way we look at American history.
American History through Song: Revolution to Depression taught by Jim Knable (published author of prose, drama, and song; humanities teacher; Gilder Lehrman Staff Writer)
Grade Levels: Middle and High School (grades 6–12)
This course examined how popular songs intersected with and evolved through history from the American Revolution through the Great Depression, focusing on known and repurposed melodies, lyric writing and rewriting, and political intent as the medium of song documented and even shaped American history.
AP United States History taught by Sara Ziemnik (2017 Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year)
Grade Levels: High School (grades 9–12)
This course introduced students to each of the nine time periods covered by the College Board’s AP United States History Curriculum. Students used the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s APUSH Study Guide and primary source documents to discuss major historical topics. Additionally, this course focused on strategies for reading and writing skills essential for success in the APUSH course or test.
History of Voting Rights Struggle taught by Alysha Butler (2019 Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year)
Grade Levels: High School (grades 9–12)
This course examined the struggle for voting rights from Reconstruction to the present day, mostly focused on the African American–led protests of the 1950s and 1960s through the lens of the film Selma, employing Harvard University’s Hutchins Center Selma Online curriculum, which is led by Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
The United States, 1492–1865 taught by Kevin Cline (2016 Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year) and Professor Steven Mintz (University of Texas, Austin)
Grade Levels: High School (grades 9–12)
Originally developed by Professor Steven Mintz, this survey-style course immersed students in American history to 1865. Live sessions brought the material to life and helped students develop the study skills and critical thinking acumen required for college-level instruction.
History Camp: History Outdoors taught by Mary Huffman (2015 Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year)
Grade Levels: Upper Elementary School (grades 3–5)
Students went on an adventure and discovered the hidden history of their home town. They found that the street signs, monuments, parks, and buildings that surround them each have their own story to tell.
History Camp: History Outdoors taught by Mary Huffman (2015 Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year)
Grade Levels: Upper Elementary School (grades 3–5)
In the vaults of the Gilder Lehrman Collection there are more than 70,000 items, and each one has a story to tell. Students examined a series of documents based on various historical themes and discovered the riches hidden within.