National Museum of American History Encourages Summer Reading Fun with 'OurStory' Web Site
Newswire Services
June 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC -- Summer reading lists are an end-of-school staple as parents, teachers, librarians and others encourage children to continue building their skills. This summer, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History launches the "OurStory" Web site with free, themed activities for exploring American history through reading. "OurStory" activities are designed to engage a wide range of learning styles and typically involve reading a recommended historical fiction book, learning about objects from the museum's collections, hands-on projects, technology-based explorations and tips for field trips to local museums and historic sites. "OurStory" is available at americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory.
The program is targeted to the kindergarten through fourth-grade audience and their adult caregivers at home or after school, but is also appropriate for classroom use. The "OurStory" Web site is the latest evolution of the museum's "OurStory in History" literacy program.
"Through the 'OurStory' Web site, we hope to generate curiosity and interest in learning about American history," said Brent D. Glass, museum director. "The Web site encourages children and adults to read and discuss historical literature together, and to explore museums, parks and community resources in support of their learning."
Current subjects include Abraham Lincoln, the Star-Spangled Banner, life in a World War II Japanese American internment camp, women of the past, New Mexico and Pueblo pots, slave life and the Underground Railroad, civil rights and maritime history. New modules will be released throughout the year.
Though the modules are connected to exhibitions or collections at the museum in Washington, D.C., the recommended field trips involve visiting neighborhood resources near the student's home.
The "OurStory" Web site is supported by the Verizon Foundation and Thinkfinity.org, the foundation's online portal to educational resources provided in partnership with many of the nation's leading educational and literacy organizations.
The museum, in partnership with Verizon's Thinkfinity.org, launched "Smithsonian's History Explorer" in September 2008. This education Web site offers free, standards-based, innovative resources for teaching and learning American history. The site is accessible at historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu and via thinkfinity.org.
The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. To learn more about the museum, check americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000. newsdesk.si.edu
The program is targeted to the kindergarten through fourth-grade audience and their adult caregivers at home or after school, but is also appropriate for classroom use. The "OurStory" Web site is the latest evolution of the museum's "OurStory in History" literacy program.
"Through the 'OurStory' Web site, we hope to generate curiosity and interest in learning about American history," said Brent D. Glass, museum director. "The Web site encourages children and adults to read and discuss historical literature together, and to explore museums, parks and community resources in support of their learning."
Current subjects include Abraham Lincoln, the Star-Spangled Banner, life in a World War II Japanese American internment camp, women of the past, New Mexico and Pueblo pots, slave life and the Underground Railroad, civil rights and maritime history. New modules will be released throughout the year.
Though the modules are connected to exhibitions or collections at the museum in Washington, D.C., the recommended field trips involve visiting neighborhood resources near the student's home.
The "OurStory" Web site is supported by the Verizon Foundation and Thinkfinity.org, the foundation's online portal to educational resources provided in partnership with many of the nation's leading educational and literacy organizations.
The museum, in partnership with Verizon's Thinkfinity.org, launched "Smithsonian's History Explorer" in September 2008. This education Web site offers free, standards-based, innovative resources for teaching and learning American history. The site is accessible at historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu and via thinkfinity.org.
The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. To learn more about the museum, check americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000. newsdesk.si.edu
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