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The Gilder Lehrman Collection is located on the lower level of the New-York Historical Society. Please visit the Collection to examine original historical documents and artifacts in person.

The Collection is available online. Browse or search our website for catalog information and select images.

For full digital access, please visit American History, 1493-1945, a subscription-based database of the Gilder Lehrman Collection, published by Adam Matthew Digital. American History, 1493-1945 contains more than 50,000 documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. It is designed for teaching and independent research. More than 100 universities and institutions-including Harvard University, Yale University, and the Library of Congress-have acquired a subscription to the database for their students and researchers.

We're pleased to announce that Adam Matthew Digital has a special offer for K-12 schools of two deeply discounted pricing options:

$1,000 One-year subscription

$5,000 Perpetual access

To request a 30-day free trial, contact Meredith Godby, meredith@amedu.com or 703-969-2850.

Copies of primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection can also be requested for reference or permission to reproduce for publication.

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the gilder lehrman collection | the gilder lehrman collection is located on the lower level of the new-york historical society. please visit the collection to examine original historical documents and artifacts in person.the collection is available online. browse or search our website for catalog information and select images.for full digital access

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a subscription-based database of the gilder lehrman collection

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published by adam matthew digital. american history

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000 documents from the gilder lehrman collection. | the gilder lehrman collection is located on the lower level of the new-york historical society. please visit the collection to examine original historical documents and artifacts in person.the collection is available online. browse or search our website for catalog information and select images.for full digital access

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a subscription-based database of the gilder lehrman collection

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published by adam matthew digital. american history

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000 documents from the gilder lehrman collection. it is designed for teaching and independent research. more than 100 universities and institutions—including harvard university

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and the library of congress—have acquired a subscription to the database for their students and researchers.we’re pleased to announce that adam matthew digital has a special offer for k–12 schools of two deeply discounted pricing options:$1

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000 perpetual accessto request a 30-day free trial

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meredith@amedu.com or 703-969-2850.copies of primary sources from the gilder lehrman collection can also be requested for reference or permission to reproduce for publication.

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The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

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The Gilder Lehrman Collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection is located on the lower level of the New-York Historical Society. Please visit the Collection to examine original historical documents and artifacts in person.The Collection is available online.

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Sortable by grade level and time period

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Wendy Harris, a teacher at Metro Deaf School in St. Paul, Minnesota and coach for Emerging America, ably describes how to apply the the Zoom-In Inquiry strategy developed by Metropolitan State University as part of the Library of Congress...

Rubrics are frequently used to communicate expectations and standards to students. Making expectations as clear, simple, and easily understood as possible is a practice of value to all learners.

A streamlined rubric form, using one column to specify the target standard, offers advantages for accessibility-especially fewer words to absorb-over more typical multi-column rubrics. This ...

Tutan(not-so)khamun

King Tutankhamun was a pharaoh who became a leader at age 9. His tomb is a rich source of art and information about the time in which he...

In this lesson on the experiences and contributions of immigrants to the United States, elementary students explore the reasons why people have made life changes in moving to a new country, both earlier in history and recently. Using primary sources spanning 100 years, students generate questions and look for answers. Students also interview adults in their lives or at school about their own...

Teachers strive to engage all learners. A 'best practice' is to create multiple ways for students to communicate what they need, and multiple ways to check in to see how students are learning. Simple online survey tools can provide an avenue for students to communicate how they are doing.

In this example, developed for use with students during remote learning, the...

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Wendy Harris, a teacher at Metro Deaf School in St. Paul, Minnesota and coach for Emerging America, ably describes how to apply the the Zoom-In Inquiry strategy developed by Metropolitan State University as part of the Library of Congress... Rubrics are frequently used to communicate expectations and standards to students.

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Sorted by historical era and document type

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DocsTeach is a product of the National Archives education division. Our mission is to engage, educate, and inspire all learners to discover and explore the records of the American people preserved by the National Archives.

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Sorted by grade level

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This collection of links was specifically aligned to the Chicago Public Schools Social Science 3.0 Content Framework for grades K-10.

Kindergarten
K, Q1 - Me, Myself and Others K, Q2 - School And Me: Democratic Principles In Everyday Life K, Q3 - People: The Same and Different K, Q4 - People Working Together to Make Their Community Work
1st Grade
G1, Q1 - Family Roles in Families the Same and Different G1, Q2 - Family and Cultural Traditions G1, Q2 - Families Around the World G1, Q4: Families Then & Now
2nd Grade
G2, Q1: My Community G2, Q2: People in My Community G2, Q4: Different Communities
3rd Grade
G3, Q1 - Before Chicago G3, Q2 - How Chicago Came to Be
Chicago primary source collections

Chicago primary source sets
More Chicago primary sources & teaching resources G3, Q4 - Chicago & Other Global Cities
4th Grade

G4, Q1 - History of Illinois Illinois primary sources (excluding Chicago)
G4 Q2 - Illinois Today G4, Q3 - U.S. Regional Movement & Culture G4, Q4 - Illinois and the World G5, Q 1 - The Americas Before People and Early Migrations G5, Q2 - Development of Central America and South America G5, Q3 - Development of North America G5, Q4 - Beginning of European Migration
6th Grade
G6, Q1, Unit 1 - Intro to Geography and Cultures G6, Q1, Unit 2 - Everything Out of Africa G6, Q2, Units 3 & 4 - Development of Eastern & Western Mediterranean G6, Q4, Units 5 & 6 - Development of Western Europe & the Spread of Ideas G6, Q4, Unit 7 - Rise of Asia G6, Q4, Unit 8 - The Highway to Globalization
7th Grade
G7, Q1, Unit 1 - Worlds Meet: Conflict, Challenges and Change G7, Q1, Unit 2 - Early Colonial America G7, Q2, Unit 3 - The Meaning of Liberty G7, Q2, Unit 4 - Confederation or Nation G7, Q3, Unit 5 - Challenges of Expansion G7, Q3, Unit 6 - War or Rebellion G7, Q4, Units 7 & 8 - The Promise of Reconstruction & A Dream Deferred G8, Q1, Unit 1 - Progress at What Cost? G8, Q1, Unit 2 - The Changing Face of America G8, Q2, Unit 3 - Introduction of Modernity G8, Q2, Unit 4 - America: Emerging Power G8, Q3, Unit 5 - World at War: Lasting Legacy G8, Q4, Unit 7 - The Rise of America in the Modern World G8, Q4, Unit 8 - Changing Face of the World
8th Grade
G9, Q1: Introduction to Geography & The Roots of Humankind G9, Q2: Defining & Interrogating Power G9, Q3: Why Is There No Peace? & Current Events G9, Q4: Facing Justice & Agents of Change G10, Q1: An American Mosaic & the Emerging Identity of America G10, Q2: Defining & Interrogating American Power G10, Q3: Defining & Interrogating American Ideals G10, Q4: Defending American Ideals & the Future of America
9th Grade

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CPS Social Studies Resources - Citizen U Primary Source Nexus

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This collection of links was specifically aligned to the Chicago Public Schools Social Science 3.0 Content Framework for grades K-10. Kindergarten K, Q1 - Me, Myself and Others Abraham Lincoln & Me Primary Source Activity Book Children's early literature collection K, Q2 - School And Me: Democratic Principles In Everyday Life Kindergarten primary source collection Abraham [...]

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The Digital Public Library of America brings together the riches of America's libraries, archives, and museums, and makes them freely available to the world.

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Primary sources with lesson plans

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Sorted by grade level

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A Message from The Colorado Primary Sources for Elementary School Collaborative

Greetings,

We are very proud to present primary source sets for elementary teachers and students! This project came about as a result of requests from the field. Elementary teachers had expressed an interest in using primary sources in their classrooms but were not sure how to find sources that were appropriate for their grade level. As a result, a group of educators worked together to create primary source sets for grades K-6.

The primary source sets are comprised of three parts: Lesson Overview, Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas, and a Resource Set.

1. Lesson Overview: The lesson overview is a graphic organizer that gives a "snapshot" of the primary source set and lesson. The lesson overview graphic is based on the Document Based Lesson template developed by A. Reisman (2012).

2. Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas: The primary source set and lesson ideas includes a collection of primary sources on a specific topic and a variety of ideas for incorporating those sources into your classroom instruction

3. Resource Set: The resource set includes additional sources to accompany the Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas to help extend lessons and further student understanding.

What is a Primary Source?
Primary sources are the voices of the past. They are the raw materials of history - original documents and objects which were created at the time under study. They are different from secondary sources, accounts or interpretations of events created by someone without firsthand experience. Documents, letters, posters, film, artifacts, photographs, maps, etc. can be primary sources that tell the story of people, places, an events of the past.
Why Use Primary Sources in the Classroom?
Examining primary sources gives students a powerful sense of history and the complexity of the past. Helping students analyze primary sources can also guide them toward higher-order thinking and better critical thinking and analysis skills (from the Library of Congress).
Where Do I Find Primary Sources?
6th Grade

Aztec Codex Mendoza
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: Through the study of the Aztec Codex Mendoza, this primary source set focuses on the influence of art on the culture of a people.

The Chicano Movement

(This primary source set was developed by pre-service teachers at MSU: Aaron Christopher, Joshua Dosumu, and Hannah Miller)
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD)
Supplemental Materials (PDF) (NOTE: All materials have been combined into a single document)
Resource Set
Description: This set focuses on the Chicano Movement in Denver during the Civil Rights Movement (1960's and 1970's)

The Inca Empire
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This set explores the great skills of the Inca in engineering an empire.

To be developed:

Mayan Codices | Mexican Geography/Ecosystems | Mexican Economy | Central American Geography/Climate

5th Grade

The Boston Massacre
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set has students investigating the Boston Massacre through multiple perspectives in an attempt to discover "what really happened."

The Declaration of Independence
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This set is designed to help students understand the purpose and text of the Declaration of Independence

Building a New Nation
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Simplified Versions of the Founding Documents (PDF) Preamble Worksheet (PDF) Resource Set
To be developed

Exploration | Early Discovery | Thirteen Colonies | Migration

4th Grade

A History of the Impact of the Railroad in Colorado
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set looks at the importance of the railroad in Colorado from transporting goods to travel by train.

The Women of Camp Hale
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) 10th Mountain Division Timeline (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set focuses on Mary Elizabeth Davis who served during World War II at Camp Hale outside of Leadville, CO

A History of the American Bison
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set looks at the importance of the bison to Native Americans and then the subsequent decline of the bison population due to over hunting.

The Lives of Women and Children in Colorado's Mining Towns
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Supplemental Document (WORD): Sample Questions for Images Draw You In Resource Set
Description: This primary source set and lesson ideas focuses on life for women in children in Colorado's mining towns.

The Dearfield Community

(This primary source set was developed by pre-service teachers at MSU: Shailyn Fung-A-Fat, Mallory Werth, and Jessica Bacon-Taylor)
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set and lesson ideas explores life in Dearfield, Colorado. Today, what's left of this community is part of the Registered Historic Places in Colorado.

The Ute - Relations Between the Ute and the Anglo-American Settlers During the 1800's (Special Note: This primary source set should be used within a unit on the Ute in Colorado. It should not be used as a standalone to teach about the Ute).

(This primary source set was developed by pre-service teachers at MSU: Sarah Beckel, Maggie Karr, Sandra Roman)
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Supplemental Materials (PDF) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set focuses on the changes to Ute Territory as a result of the 1868 Treaty and the ensuing conflict of the Meeker Massacre.

Tuberculosis (TB) Patients Migrate to Denver
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This set of primary source documents helps students understand how tuberculosis contributed to growing the population of Denver and Colorado.

To be developed

Exploring Colorado - Trappers and Traders | Homesteaders | Colorado Cities & Towns | Colorado Government | Colorado Landmarks | Colorado Ghost Towns | Colorado Geography - The Land We Call Home | 20th Century Colorado

3rd Grade

A History of the San Luis Valley
Lesson Overview (PDF)
Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) - NOTE: This set may also be used in 4th grade.
Supplemental Material #1: Changes in the Valley (PDF)
Resource Set

Description: This primary source set focuses on the settlement of the San Luis Valley by the Hispanos. The "story" then focuses in on the Trujillo family.

Colorado Industries of the Past: Sugar Beets
Lesson Overview (PDF)
Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) - NOTE: This set may also be used in 4th grade.
Supplemental Document (WORD): What's the Story? Resource Set
Description: This primary source set and lesson ideas focuses on the importance of the sugar beet industry for immigrants coming to Colorado.

Characteristics of a Region
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set and lesson ideas focuses on the characteristics of Colorado's geographic regions.

2nd Grade

The Auraria Neighborhood: A Look at Changes Over Time
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas Resource Set
Description: This primary source set focuses on changes to the Auraria neighborhood in Denver over the past 100 years.

Your Community Long Ago & Today: Keota, A Case Study
Lesson Overview (PDF)
Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD)
Resource Set
Description: This primary source set introduces 2nd grade students to their community long ago through the Keota settlement.

Mapping Changes in Colorado Towns

(This primary source set was developed by pre-service teachers at MSU: Danielle DeSpain, Monique Sherred, and Julieann Sorrentino)
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Supplemental Materials (PDF) Resource Set
1st Grade

My History at School
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set gives students an opportunity to investigate the similarities and differences between school today and school in the past.

American Symbols
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set introduces students to the concept of symbols through the study of American symbols such as the American flag and the Statue of Liberty.

Notable Coloradans
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Biography Graphic Organizer Resource Set
Description: This primary source set looks at five notable Coloradans: Scott Carpenter, Missy Franklin, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Rick "Goose" Gossage, and the Honorable Christine M. Arguello.

Kindergarten

Farming in Colorado Through Oral Histories
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set focuses on oral histories of families who immigrated to Colorado primarily to farm.

Schoolhouses & Classrooms of the Past
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set looks at one room schoolhouses, the school day, and how children in the past played.

Toys and Games of Yesteryear
Lesson Overview (PDF) Primary Source Set and Lesson Ideas (WORD) Resource Set
Description: This primary source set engages students in exploring the toys and games of the past.

Primary Source Set Partners

The team was comprised of the following people:

Stephanie Hartman, PhD
Social Studies Content Specialist

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Greetings, We are very proud to present primary source sets for elementary teachers and students! This project came about as a result of requests from the field. Elementary teachers had expressed an interest in using primary sources in their classrooms but were not sure how to find sources that were appropriate for their grade level.

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Library of Congress Primary Source Sets for the K-2 Classroom

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Library of Congress Primary Source Sets for the K-2 Classroom

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Did you know that the Library of Congress has three primary source sets that were designed with the early elementary grades in mind? They are: Symbols of the United States, Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln: Three Great Presidents, and Children's Lives at the Turn of the Twentieth Century. Each one contains a selection of primary sources - all available as easy-to-use PDFs - with historical background information, teaching ideas for the early childhood classroom, and an analysis tool and teacher's guides.

When developing these primary source sets, we selected common topics and identified primary sources that are age-appropriate and engaging for younger students. Whether you are seasoned in incorporating primary sources into your early childhood curriculum, or want to give it a try for the very first time, these three primary source sets are just for you!

Symbols of the United States

Six U.S. symbols are highlighted: the Liberty Bell, the U.S. flag, the bald eagle, the national anthem, Uncle Sam, and the Statue of Liberty. Primary sources include posters, sheet music, newspaper cartoons, and photos.

Sample activity from the Teacher's Guide: Invite students to look closely at the three documents related to the flag to find differences; for example, the number of stars. How do these images show that symbols can change over time?

"Symbols of the United States" is also available as an interactive Library of Congress Student Discovery Set.

Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln: Three Great Presidents

For each president, one primary source shows something about the president's home or family life, the next one represents one of his great achievements, a third item is a portrait of the president, and the fourth is a photograph of the monument or memorial dedicated to him.

Sample activity: Ask students what they notice about the portrait of George Washington and encourage them to move from generalities (for example, he was old and had white hair) to specifics (for example, he is holding a sword).

Children's Lives at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

The dawn of the twentieth century was a time of great change in the United States, and many of those changes can be seen in the lives of the nation's children. Images, film, and books shed light on the ways in which they worked, learned, and played around the year 1900.

Sample activity from the Teacher's Guide: Display a photo such as the one at left and ask students to do a "30-second look." Remove the photo and ask them to share details they remember seeing. Display the photo so they can look again.

We hope you enjoy using these three primary source sets with your students, and we think you'll find that you can use teaching ideas from these sets with our other primary source sets. If you're new to using primary sources in the classroom, you can see a picture of practice in the blog post Kindergarten Historians: Primary Sources in an Early Elementary Classroom.

We'd love to hear your ideas and experiences about incorporating primary sources into the early childhood classroom.

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Library of Congress Primary Source Sets for the K-2 Classroom

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Did you know that the Library of Congress has three primary source sets that were designed with the early elementary grades in mind? They are: Symbols of the United States, Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln: Three Great Presidents, and Children's Lives at the Turn of the Twentieth Century.