Series: Claiming Civil Rights

The lesson plans in this series guide students and other interested learners through conversations about how people claimed civil rights for themselves and for others. Each lesson includes an inquiry question, reading, and a choice of activities. Each lesson is designed to fit into about an hour. This series was created Katie McCarthy, NCPE intern with the Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education.

• Article 1: (H)our History Lesson: Capturing the Nation’s Attention, the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March

  

  This article explores the history of the Selma to Montgomery March. You'll find a reading and related activities for learners of all ages. Read more

• Article 2: (H)our History Lesson: From Freedom Seeker to Town-Founder, Free Frank McWorter and New Philadelphia

  

  This article explores the history of New Philadelphia, a Multiracial Town on the Illinois Frontier. You'll find a reading and associated activities for learners of all ages. Read more

• Article 3: (H)our History Lesson: Women United, Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Council of Negro Women

  

  Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and activist, founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in 1935 and served as its president until 1949. Learn more about Bethune and this organization intended to give African American women a collective national voice in this article. Read more

• Article 4: (H)our History Lesson: Suing for Freedom, Dred and Harriet Scott’s Case at the Old Courthouse

  

  This article features a reading and activities about Dred and Harriet Scott and their efforts to sue for their freedom. The content is intended for middle school learners but can easily be adapted for use by learners of all ages. Read more

• Article 5: (H)our History Lesson: Frederick Douglass’s Life-long Fight for Justice and Equality

  

  This article explores the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. You'll find a reading and related activities about Douglass and his home in Washington. DC. These resources are intended for middle school learners but can easily be adapted for use by learners of all ages. Read more

• Article 6: (H)our History Lesson: Fit for Service, Colonel Charles Young’s Protest Ride

  

  This article explores Colonel Young's freedom ride from Ohio to Washington, DC. It include a reading and activities intended for middle school learners, but can easily be adapted for use by learners of all ages. Read more