The study of American History to some may be a
tedious task, with all of the memorization of places and people, dates, and
battles. But studying American History can be so much more than memorization of
facts or a dry account of events as told from a textbook.
American History feels more real when we
are able to walk where it happened or to see and feel artifacts from the era.
However, field trips are not always possible, and they aren’t even necessary to
experience American History firsthand.
The Internet offers many resources that
allow American History to literally come alive. Taking time to look through old
photographs of real African American slaves in front of their quarters or
reading a letter from a soldier during the American Civil War stirs emotions
that are surprising but enlightening. Suddenly we are transported to a different
time and place in American History and all the facts take on new
meaning.
Some of the best American History websites
are listed below according to the type of historical accounts that they contain.
One other link that may be of interest includes
AMERICAN HISTORY
DOCUMENTS
This website is devoted to providing primary
historical sources such as journals, maps, reports, and other official documents
that describe American History from the perspective of those who lived it.
Documents on this site include extracts from the journals of Christopher
Columbus, Ralph Lane’s report of the first colony at Roanoke, and a warrant for
an arrest during the Salem Witch Trials.
This website has 100 viewable documents with
transcripts that are considered to be milestones in American History from 1776
to 1965.
This website is a collection of transcripts
that discuss southern American History from unique perspectives. Collections
include such titles as "First Person Narratives of the American South" and
"North American Slave Narratives."
This website from the Yale Law School Lillian
Goldman Law Library contains important legal documents ranging from ancient
times to the modern era. All documents appear to be transcripts only.
AMERICAN HISTORY IMAGES AND
VIDEOS
Search through collections of primary sources
from American History. Images to be viewed include old photographs, images of
original letters, manuscripts, maps, and more if you take the time to explore
all that is here.
This website is unique in that it explores
American History from the early 1900s through the present primarily with video.
Most clips seem to be speeches, interviews, and television
advertisements.
AMERICAN HISTORY MULTIMEDIA
RESOURCES
This website offers a lot of information if you
are willing to take the time to explore. Features include audio letters from
soldiers during the Revolutionary War through the Iraq War, searchable primary
source documents, and online exhibitions.
This website from the University of Houston is
an extensive collection of primary resources such as newspaper articles and
speeches, virtual exhibitions, an online textbook, and other multimedia American
History resources.
This website goes in depth on each President,
significant Presidential speeches, and information on each
administration.
AMERICAN HISTORY STUDY
GUIDES
This chronological timeline of US History is
interesting in that it allows you to analyze history through different "lenses,"
such as gender or economy, and also has a section called "Why Should I Care?"
This website seems to take the study of American History to another level
because it really makes you think about what you’re reading.
This website features study guides created by
Harvard students and Barnes and Noble. American History study guides cover the
French and Indian War through the Vietnam War.
This website contains American History study
guides covering the period from pre-Colonial America to the late 1980s. Also
included in this site are historical lists and documents, such as the
Declaration of Independence and the list of the Presidents.
For even more American History websites to
visit, check out
History Matters, which is an extensive list of websites for
learning and teaching about American History.
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