+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Three Newport Mansions of the Gilded Age

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students visit the Newport Mansions. In this Gilded Age lesson, students explore the architecture and design of The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. Students create visual presentations that show the artistic features of the homes...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lady Liberty: The New Colossus

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars research the history of the Statue of Liberty and the symbols associated with it. They read and discuss Emma Lazarus' poem and why it should persuade people to donate money to bring the statue to America. Students...
+
Handout
Musicals 101

Musicals101.com: Musical Vaudeville and Burlesque

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Musicals101.com explains the emergence of vaudeville and burlesque from the middle class needs of industrialized America. Part II explains what makes up a vaudeville act.
+
Primary
PBS

Pbs: Jane Addams and Hull House

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting interview with Robyn Muncy, a Professor of History, about Addams and the philosophy of the women who started the Hull House.
+
Activity
Other

Illinois State Museum: The American Railway Union

For Students 9th - 10th
Excerpt from U.S. Strike Commission Report. Site also provides focus questions at the bottom.
+
Primary
Library of Congress

Library of Congress: Classic Books: The Circus Procession

For Students 9th - 10th
Digital facsimile of The Circus Procession, published in 1888. This rhyming tale of a parade of funny animals, clowns, and a fairy queen perfectly captures the essence of a favorite Gilded Age amusement, the traveling circus.
+
Activity
PBS

Pbs: American Experience: Around the World in 72 Days

For Students 9th - 10th
This PBS site follows undercover journalist Nellie Bly (1864-1922) on her 72-day journey in 1889 around the world.
+
Handout
Other

Changing the Look of the Front Page

For Students 9th - 10th
Information about the changes made to the format of the newspaper by Joseph Pulitzer can be found at this site. The information includes details about the methods of printing, the use of illustration, and the use of only one headline for...