Learning Resources

African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy  Discover the important and visible stories of African American history throughout the state. In this travel guide and video series from the Texas Historical Commission, explore freedmen's communities, Rosenwald schools, family cemeteries, civil rights archives, historic neighborhoods and more. 

African American Historic Sites  This choice board set of activities explores historic and cultural heritage sites related to African American history in Texas. 

Heroes of History: Black Heritage in Texas  From wartime service to pursuing civil rights, African Americans have been shaping Texas for hundreds of years. Heritage destinations across the state showcase stories of outstanding bravery, caring for one’s community, and preserving and expanding these narratives. In this THC-sponsored online presentation, representatives from five organizations share the histories of their sites and explain how the public can support their meaningful work to promote Black history.

Transitions of a Freedman Farm Family Through hard work and perseverance, Ransom and Sarah Williams made their way up from slavery, through the Reconstruction period, into the Jim Crow era and into the twentieth century in an historically significant post-emancipation success story. A 4th-8th grade activity from the Texas Department of Transportation, learners analyze primary source documents to discover how Ransom Williams began the transition to freedom by exercising the right to vote and own property. A 7th-11th grade activity from TxDot gives learners the opportunity to analyze several of the more than 25,000 artifacts discovered on the historic farmstead. A podcast featuring the archeologists who excavated the farmstead is also available. 

Citizenship, Slavery, and the U.S. Constitution  Daina Ramey Berry, Anthony L. Brown, and Keffrelyn D. Brown of The University of Texas at Austin deliver a lecture on race and citizenship in the U.S. founding period in this webinar sponsored by Humanities Texas.

Voices Remembering Slavery This Library of Congress resource has audio files and pdf transcripts of oral history interviews of formerly enslaved people from Texas talking about their lives and their feelings about slavery, slaveholders, coercion of slaves, their families, and freedom. Several individuals sing songs, many of which were learned during the time of their enslavement. 

Freedom Colonies and Beyond In this 4th-8th grade activity from the Texas Department of Transportation, learners explore the locations and history of freedom colonies in Texas. 

The Rosenwald Schools  When Booker T. Washington met Julius Rosenwald in the early 1900s, the trajectory of education for African American youth changed. This National Trust for Historic Preservation online presentation is an excellent introduction to the history and development of these schools which existed across the south and in 82 Texas communities. A separate lesson plan for grades 5-12 from the National Parks Service Teaching with Historic Places series explores the people and forces that drove this movement. 

Struggle and Success  This ebook from the Texas State Historical Association provides history and biographical profiles of African Americans who have shaped and influenced Texas history. Selections are from TSHA's Handbook of African American Texas and feature entries covering politics, civil rights, science, sports, medicine and many more topics. 

History Quilt: Juneteenth  On June 19, 1865, Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to proclaim freedom for the enslaved people of Texas. In 2012, textile artist Renee Allen created a quilt telling the story of that day. In this activity, learners will analyze how the Juneteenth quilt captures that historic moment. Instructions are included for creating a personal story quilt. 

Barbara Jordan: A Voice for Democracy  In July 1974, as the Watergate hearings took place, one voice stood out expressing faith in American ideals. That voice—deep, measured, and unmistakable—belonged to Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. Hear audio of her speeches and find many additional resources about this Texas legend on this Humanities Texas webpage.

The Saga of Sam McCulloch  After serving and being wounded as a volunteer soldier in the Texas revolution, Sam, a free Black man, encountered resistance to exercising his rights in the new republic. In this activity from the Texas General Land Office, learners use primary source documents to investigate Sam's challenge in requesting a land grant. 

Mission Santa Cruz de San Sabá Learn about Spanish colonization in Texas through the story of a mission which was destroyed. Using primary and secondary documents, students will investigate what happened at the mission on March 6, 1758, and reflect on current archeological discovers at the site.

Texas Archeology in the Classroom An educator's guide to teaching archeology with information, resources, and hands-on activities aligned with TEKS for classroom use (grades 3 through 12).

Archeology Activities  From exploring the creation of pottery and stone tools to an example neighborhood archeological survey, these projects from the Texas Historical Commission, the University of Texas, the Texas Archeological Society, and the Mesoamerican Center help uncover the depth and richness of our state’s heritage. Content of the activities include archeology adventure, chocolate pots, Native American gorgets, pinch pots, archeology passport, hot chocolate, aerial archeology, and coloring pages for a ceremonial cave, a hunter's pouch, Mission Espiritu Santo, and the Ranson Williams farm.

Piecing History Together  Artifacts can help archeologists understand the cultures that created them. In this activity, learners decorate an artifact, break it, and then experience the process of reassembling it. 

Texas Shipwrecks: Futtocks and Trunnels  Marine archeologists must understand what they're looking at when ships are exposed along Texas beaches. Learn the names of ship parts by matching them with images. 

What Does an Archeologist Do? What's the difference between an archeologist and a paleontolgist or geologist? 

Careers in Archeology Find out more about careers in archeology.

Texas Archeology Month Each October, organizations across the state celebrate the spirit of discovery. Find out about archeological activities and learning opportunities. 

The Chisholm Trail Scavenger Hunt  In the 19th century, major cattle routes began in Texas and ran hundreds of miles to the stockyards and rail hubs in northern states. The months-long trips were hard on both the cattle and the cowfolk. Would you have made the journey? Using the THC Chisholm Trail brochure and scavenger hunt questions, find out more about the legendary cattle trails before you make your journey decision. An answer key is provided. 

Texas Foodways: Pan de Campo  Use this baking activity to make (and eat!) the legendary camp bread of the 19th century cattle trails. This hearty yet simple staple was named the state bread of Texas in 2005.

Chow Bingo  How does a snack of brown gargle and boggy top sound? Cowfolk along the Texas cattle trails knew what those food items were. See how well you can match the cowfolk slang term with the real food item in Chow Bingo 1 and Chow Bingo 2. An answer key is provided. 

Texas Trails Pathways of History This ebook, published by the Texas State Historical Association to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail,  includes information and graphics about historic Texas cattle trails, longhorn cattle, and notable cattlemen and women.

Ranching: A Primary Source Adventure These Texas ranching learning resources, featuring oral histories, lesson plans for 4th and 7th grade students, and additional weblinks, are provided by The Portal to Texas History Resources4Educators. 

Campfire Stories: Cattle Folk  At this Bullock Museum website, learn about Texas cattlemen and women, the cattle trail timeline, and what the iconic XIT Ranch had to do with the construction of the Texas state capitol building. 

Cemeteries are steeped in the history and the stories of real people. To help students interpret this information, the Cemetery Lesson Plan for Grades 4 and 7 explores typical memorial and physical features found in most cemeteries. By experiencing a gallery walk through Oakwood Cemetery (established in 1839), the oldest cemetery in Austin, Texas, and becoming familiar with cemetery-related vocabulary, students will build a foundation for understanding the history that lives in cemeteries in their own communities.

Learn more about Cemetery Preservation.

Under Development

Fanthorp Inn: A Community Investment  Henry Fanthorp built a business on providing shelter to the men and women who built Texas. From famous leaders to European immigrants and enslaved Africans, people from all walks of life could be found at the Fanthorp Inn in the 19th century. Fanthorp, an English immigrant, worked hard to expand his inn and used his wealth to invest in his business, his community, and Texas. In these activities for 7th grade, learners use primary source documents to explore how a hotel and a stagecoach impacted the development of Texas communities and businesses.

Hispanic Heritage in Texas Resources  Explore video mobile tours and print materials (available in Spanish) to discover how Hispanic heritage shaped early Texas and continues to create the Texas of today. 

Texas Historical Markers Lesson Plan In these activities, learners explore and analyze Texas historical markers as resources for understanding and preserving local history.

Education in Texas Marker Map  Early Texans cited a lack of public education as a reason for independence from Mexico. The 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas specifically mentioned the need for a public school system. Explore this map of more than 1,000 official Texas historical markers that tell the story of education in Texas, from early German schools to Rosenwald Schools to the first woman’s college. 

Texas Indians and Texas Place-Names This selection of Texas place-names includes names derived from Indian words as well as names that are associated with Indians or their activities. 

The Texas Prisoner of War Camps Lesson Plan In this lesson correlated to 7th grade TEKS, learners analyze the establishment, operation, and economic impact of Texas WWII prisoner of war camps located at Camp Hereford, Camp Huntsville, and Camp Swift.

The Prisoners of War in Texas Lesson Plan In these four lessons correlated to high school U.S. History TEKS, learners analyze the role of the Geneva Convention in the establishment of Texas POW camps during WWII, the treatment of POW camp prisoners, and the economics of POW camps to understand the immediate and continuing legacy of these camps in both Texas and U.S. history.

The Zimmermann Telegram, 1917  This coded message, sent by German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann, helped change American sentiment about entering World War I. In this activity, learners used a code key to figure out the missing words in a text summary of Zimmermann's message. A key is provided. An image and translation of the actual telegram text is also included. 

Rationing on the Home Front  In 1942, the United States was in the middle of World War II. That year, the U.S. government implemented rationing programs that limited citizens' personal food and supplies in order to provide adequate provisions and supplies for soldiers abroad. In this grade 7 activity from the Eisnehower Birthplace State Historic Site, learners experience the history of the rationing programs and the challenge of buying food and supplies with ration coupons and a limited budget. 

Mr. Sam and World War II  In September of 1840, Sam Rayburn was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was influential in wartime legislation such as the Lend-Lease Act, Extension of the Selective Service, the G.I. Bill of Rights, and the acquisition of funds for the atomic bomb. In these activities for high school from the Sam Rayburn State Historic Site, learners practice rationing and compare and contrast WWII rationing with today's recycling efforts. 
 

There has never been a better time for capturing oral histories than now. Use the guidelines to discover the process of oral history interviewing. Practice asking good questions and understanding the etiquette and challenges of documenting other people's stories. The family interview activity offers the opportunity to put the practice into action and capture the history of then and now. 

Childhood in the Republic Life in the Republic of Texas (1836-1846) would have been very different from life in the state today, especially for children. In this grade 4 lesson from the Star of the Republic Museum, learners examine readings and photos to learn about the daily chores children performed during this time. Additional activities include comparing and contrasting daily life in the Republic with life today, analyzing items used during this time period to determine what modern versions might still be used today, and writing a first-person narrative describing a Texas Republic childhood.

Dr. Anson Jones: Architect of Annexation  As the last elected president of the Texas Republic, Dr. Anson Jones was instrumental in the process of moving Texas from an independent republic to statehood in the United States. In these activities from the Barrington Plantation State Historic Site, learners investigate the annexation of Texas through primary source transcripts, including speeches from Dr. Jones and U.S. president John Quincy Adams, a map of the Republic boundaries in 1845, a ballot tally, and political cartoons of the period.  

A Letter on Texas Annexation  When Texas became an independent republic in 1836, one of the few European countries to recognize that new status was France. Alphonse Isidoré Dubois de Saligny was appointed to serve in Austin as France’s chargé d’affaires, the country’s diplomatic representative in Texas. A few years later, Texas was in the middle of a conflict over annexation to the United States. In this grade 7 lesson from the French Legation State Historic Site, learners analyze primary source translated excerpts from a letter Dubois wrote in 1844 to French Foreign Minister François Guizot describing his conversation with Texas President Sam Houston regarding the issues of Texas’ annexation.

Texas Revolution: 185th Anniversary In this digital history webinar, Judge Ken Wise and educators from THC's state historic sites including Washington-on-the-Brazos, San Jacinto Battleground, San Felipe de Austin, and Varner-Hogg Plantation discuss the epic story of the Texas Revolution.  

Discovering the Battle of San Jacinto in Primary Sources Grade 4 The Battle of San Jacinto was a pivotal moment in Texas history, but it happened long before anyone alive now was born. How do historians know what happened during the battle? One of the major ways is by studying primary sources, such as letters, journal entries, artifacts, and maps that were created during the time period they discuss or by people who were involved in the events. In this lesson, learners explore the Battle of San Jacinto using three primary sources: General Houston’s Battle Report, “Mexican Account of the Battle of San Jacinto” by Colonel Pedro Delgado, and Yoakum’s map of the battlefield. An introductory video is included.

Discovering the Battle of San Jacinto in Primary Sources Grade 7 The Battle of San Jacinto was a pivotal moment in Texas history, but it happened long before anyone alive now was born. How do historians know what happened during the battle? One of the major ways is by studying primary sources, such as letters, journal entries, artifacts, and maps that were created during the time period they discuss or by people who were involved in the events. In this lesson, learners explore the Battle of San Jacinto using four primary sources: General Houston’s Battle Report, “Mexican Account of the Battle of San Jacinto” by Colonel Pedro Delgado, a biography of Alfonso Steele, and Yoakum’s map of the battlefield. An introductory video is included. 

What Is an Empresario? Part 1 of the Empresario series (grades 4 and 7) from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site explores various aspects of the system that brought permanent settlers to Texas in the early 19th century. A site video and lesson activities focusing on the experiences of Stephen F. Austin help define the duties and qualities of Texas empresarios. 

Why Invite Foreign Colonists? Part 2 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site investigates how the introduction of colonists from other nations impacted the development of Texas. An introductiory site video and learning activities provide opportunities to analyze primary source documents related to the settlement efforts. 

How Did Empresarios Attract Colonists? Part 3 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site explores the strategies Stephen F. Austin used to advertise to potential colonists interested in settling in Texas in the early 19th century. Activities provide opportunities to analyze primary source documents including Austin's letter and colony regulations related to settlement recruitment. An introductory video is included. 

Choosing Colonists Part 4 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site investigates how Stephen F. Austin selected settlers who wanted to move to Texas in the early 19th century. Activities provide learners the opportunity to evaluate potential colonists' suitability based on desirable characteristics. An introductory video and transcriptions of primary source character certificates and historic letters are included. 

Where to Begin a Colony? Part 5 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site provides opportunities to study Stephen F. Austin's 1821 journal entries describing his travels through Mexican Texas in search of good land grants for his new colony. Activities include land feature analysis and reading for information. 

Constructing a Capital Part 6 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site explores the process and requirements of establishing an administrative center for settlements in Mexican Texas. Activities provide opportunities for analyzing primary source documents and plotting an original town. An introductory video is included. 

Forming a Colonial Government  Part 7 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site explores the role of empresarios in establishing new governments in their settlements. Activities include reviewing fictional application letters for government position selection and analyzing primary source letters from Stephen F. Austin and Jose Antonio Saucedo. An introductory video is included. 

The Importance of the Land Office Part 8 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site introduces learners to the important functions of a colony’s land office, the center of administration and record-keeping. The activities provide opportunities to analyze and organize information relating to land titles and maps. An introductory video and primary source transcripts of letters and land titles are included. 

Establishing Law in the Colony Part 9 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site examines the process of establishing a legal system in early colonial Texas. Activities explore primary sources that demonstrate empresario and temporary chief legal officer Stephen F. Austin's challenge in establishing civil and criminal regulations that were acceptable to both the colony and the government of Coahuila y Tejas. An introductory video is included. 

The Militia in Austin's Colony Part 10 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site introduces the role of the civic militia in Mexican Texas during the early 19th century. The Constitution of Coahuila and Texas provided that a civic militia be established in all towns of the state. In 1826, militias of Stephen F. Austin and Green DeWitt’s colonies were mustered to defeat the Fredonian Rebellion, an early attempt by Anglo colonists in Texas to declare independence from Mexico. The activities explore the role of the militia and the regulations governing it.  A video and primary documents are included. 

Was Austin a Successful Empresario? Part 11 of the Empresario series from the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site considers the empresario system that brought permanent settlers to Mexican Texas during the early 19th century. Activities explore the questions of what happened once an empresario completed a contract, and whether or not Stephen F. Austin can be considered to be an example of a successful empresario. A video and primary source documents are included. 

Beyond the Alamo: Discover the Undertold Stories of the Texas Revolution  This edition of the Texas Historical Commission's quarterly magazine, The Medallion, explores the stories of the important people and places of the Texas Revolution that aren't always covered in textbooks. 

Dr. Anson Jones: Architect of Annexation  As the last elected president of the Texas Republic, Dr. Anson Jones was instrumental in the process of moving Texas from an independent republic to statehood in the United States. In these activities, learners investigate the annexation of Texas through primary source transcripts, including speeches from Dr. Jones and U.S. president John Quincy Adams, a map of the Republic boundaries in 1845, a ballot tally, and political cartoons of the period.  

Caddo Mounds Site Guide

Why Coyote Stopped Imitating his Friends—1st Grade
This lesson provides material about the Caddo storytelling practice and how the stories themselves can be related to modern day stories and experiences.

Building a Caddo House—4th Grade
This art lesson was created to compliment historic lessons related to the Caddo Indians. Caddo Mounds State Historic Site is the sponsor of this lesson and related historical materials as they pertain to the Caddo Indians. This lesson is one of a series that incorporate art with history in relation to the Caddo people while meeting necessary national and state standards.

Caddo Indians—4th Grade
This lesson covers the origins, similarities, and differences of American Indian groups in Texas and North America before European exploration.

Caddo Indians—4th Grade
This Art lesson was created to compliment historic lessons related to the Caddo Indians.

Simple Machines, Tools, & Weapons of the Caddo—4th & 5th Grade
In this lesson, students will recognize that the Caddo Indians were a people that contributed to our national identity. The student will communicate in various ways an understanding of the systems that the Caddo used. They will know that tools and weapons of the Caddo are considered a system and/or structure. They will create models of these systems.

Reviving Caddo Pottery—4th & 7th Grade
Students will learn about the Caddo culture, especially with the art of clay pottery. The students will get background information about the Caddo tribe along with the history and uses of their clay pottery. They will then study about Jereldine Redcorn and her revival of this art, as well as trying to make their own, using the coiling method.

I Am a Caddo-a Multimedia Project—7th Grade
Students will research the lives and customs of the Caddo Indians. They will create a multimedia project, using Microsoft Photo Story 3, which tells the story of a Caddo Indian.

Traditional Caddo Stories—7th Grade
This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration files for Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. It is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into classrooms across the country.

Poetry in Nature: Writing Activities and Comparisons to Caddo Poetry
To often we ask students to write a brief summary of what they have learned. What if we asked them to create poetry which includes the results of their investigations of the Caddo and the land they call home? In this lesson, students will document observations and write poetry reflecting connections with the environment. Be sure to download the lesson handouts.

Caddo Mounds: A Regional Center of the Mississippian Culture—5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grades & High School Social Studies
This lesson could be used in units on early history in the American South. It provides interesting context about the Caddo people who have lived in Texas since 750 AD.

Caddo Traditions teachers' workshop sessions have covered Caddo pottery, iconography, dance, stories, food, religion, cane weaving, and more. This playlist includes introductions to some of these Caddo traditions. This project was sponsored in part by The Summerlee Foundation and Humanities Texas.

El Camino Real De Los Tejas, 1st Grade
This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration files for El Camino Real de los Tejas. It is one that will bring the importance of historic places into classrooms across the country.

A Walk Along El Camino Real de los Tejas, 4th Grade
This art lesson was created to compliment historic lessons related to El Camino Real de los Tejas. This lesson is one of a series that incorporates art with history in relation to El Camino Real de los Tejas while meeting necessary national and state standards.

El Camino Real, 4th Grade
This lesson will focus on how one road can change over time with a focus on the history of the Royal Road, analysis of the people who used it, and the various purposes that it served over time.

Exploring Caddo Culture Through Storytelling, 4th Grade
This lesson will focus on the Origin Stories. Students will read through several Origin Stories and use their critical thinking skills to look beyond the stories themselves and into what the stories can teach us about Caddo culture.

El Camino Real De Los Tejas, 7th Grade
This lesson's focus is to analyze the political, economic, geographic, and social (PEGS) connections to El Camino Real de los Tejas potentially across multiple eras of Texas history beginning with Natural Texas and Its People (Prehistory-1528) through to Spanish Colonial (1690-1821).

Snake Woman's Garden, Self-Guided Tour, Education Station
Keep this guide handy for a visit to Snake Woman’s Garden

Garden Lesson
This lesson will give you a variety of ideas to dig deeper into the agricultural history of the Caddo and encourage visitors to engage their observational skills while in the garden.

Adventure Pack: Snake Woman's Garden
On your Backpack Adventure, you will be exploring and learning from Snake Woman's Garden. While this adventure was designed to be used at Caddo Mounds, you should also be able use it in any garden of your choice.

The Caddo Grass House, Self-Guided Tour
Keep this guide handy on your exploration of the Caddo Grass House.

Lesson Plan, Art, 4th Grade, Building a Caddo Grass House
This lesson is one of a series that incorporate art with history in relation to the Caddo people while meeting necessary national and state standards.

Lesson Plan, 4th Grade, Art, Caddo Pottery
This lesson is one of a series that incorporate art with history in relation to the Caddo people while meeting necessary national and state standards.

Lesson Plan, 4th & 7th Grade, Reviving Caddo Pottery,
Students will learn about the Caddo culture. The students will get background information about the Caddo along with the history and uses of their clay pottery. They will then study about Jereldine Redcorn and her revival of this art. Finally, student will try to make their own pottery, using the coiling method.

Lesson Plan, 7th Grade, I Am Caddo
Students will research the lives and customs of the Caddo Indians. They will create a multimedia project, using Microsoft Photo Story 3.

Lesson Plan, 7th Grade, Traditional Caddo Stories
This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration files for Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. It is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into classrooms across the country.

Self-Guided Museum Tour
Keep this guide handy to compliment the exhibits on your visit to the museum.

Self-Guided Introduction and Safety
Keep this guide handy when you set off to explore Caddo Mounds SHS.

Self-Guided Archeology Tour
Keep this guide handy to compliment the interpretive panels on your self-guided walk on the Mounds Trail.

Lesson Plan, Caddo Indians, 4th Grade
This lesson covers the origins, similarities, and differences of American Indian groups in Texas and North America before European exploration.

Lesson Plan, Why Coyote Stopped Imitating His Friends, 1st & 2nd Grades
This lesson provides material about the Caddo storytelling practice and how the stories themselves can be related to modern day stories and experiences.

Lesson Plan, Simple Machines, Tools & Weapons of the Caddo, 4th & 5th Grade
In this lesson, students will recognize that the Caddo contributed to our national identity. The student will communicate in various ways an understanding of the systems that the Caddo used. They will know that tools and weapons of the Caddo are considered a system and/or structure. They will create models of these systems.

Lesson Plan 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grades & High School Social Studies
This lesson could be used in units on early history in the American South. It provides interesting context about the Caddo people who have lived in Texas since 750 AD. 

Pre- and Post-Visit Lesson Plans—4th Grade
These TEKS-aligned activities can be used as an introduction and follow-up to a visit to Casa Navarro. Lesson plans include information on Casa Navarro, the life of José Antonio Navarro, and historic Laredito.

Pre- and Post-Visit Lesson Plans—7th Grade
These TEKS-aligned activities can be used as an introduction and follow-up to a visit to Casa Navarro. Lesson plans include information on Casa Navarro, the life of José Antonio Navarro, and historic Laredito.

Pre- and Post-Visit Lesson Plans—High School
These TEKS-aligned activities can be used as an introduction and follow-up to a visit to Casa Navarro. Lesson plans provide insight into José Antonio Navarro’s political influence as a Tejano leader by analyzing primary sources and charting his career on a timeline.

Expolre the buildings of "Little Laredo" using the Casa Navarro—Laredito Powerpoint

Confederate Reunion Grounds Site Guide

Eisenhower Birthplace Site Guide

Rationing on the Home Front  In 1942, the United States was in the middle of World War II. That year, the U.S. government implemented rationing programs that limited citizens' personal food and supplies in order to provide adequate provisions and supplies for soldiers abroad. In this grade 7 activity, learners experience the history of the rationing programs and the challenge of buying food and supplies with ration coupons and a limited budget. 

The Art of Quilting Several of the unique artifacts visitors can admire at the birthplace site are a collection of quilts owned and created by the Eisenhower family. In these elementary level activities, learners explore the history of quilting, the unique patterns of quilts (and their math and geometry qualities), and experience making different styles of paper or fabric quilts. 

Pre-Visit Guide - 1st through 3rd Grade

Pre-Visit Guide - 5th Grade

Post-Visit Guide - 5th Grade

On-Site Activity - 5th Grade
 

Pre-Visit Guide - Lesson 1

Pre-Visit Guide - Lesson 2

Guide - Advanced Placement

Post-Visit Guide - High School

On-Site Guide - High School
 

El Camino Real De Los Tejas—1st Grade
This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration files for El Camino Real de las Tejas. It is one that will bring the importance of historic places into classrooms across the country.

A Walk Along El Camino Real de los Tejas—4th Grade
This art lesson was created to compliment historic lessons related to El Camino Real De Los Tejas. This lesson is one of a series that incorporates art with history in relation to El Camino Real De Los Tejas while meeting necessary national and state standards.

El Camino Real—4th Grade
This lesson will focus on how one road can change over time to allow for developing background information, then lead into the specific history of El Camino Real and analyzing the people who used it and purposes that it served over time.

Exploring Caddo Culture Through Storytelling—4th Grade
This lesson will focus on the Origin Stories. Students will read through several Origin Stories and use their critical thinking skills to look beyond the stories themselves, but into what the stories offer for a glimpse into the life of the Caddo.

El Camino Real De Los Tejas—7th Grade
This lesson’s focus is to analyze the political, economic, geographic, and social (PEGS) connections to the El Camino Real de los Tejas potentially across multiple eras of Texas history beginning with Natural Texas and Its People (Prehistory-1528) through to Spanish Colonial (1690-1821).

Fannin Battleground Site Guide

Under Development

A Community Investment  In the 19th century, people from all walks of life could be found at the Fanthorp Inn in southeast Texas. Henry Fanthorp, an English immigrant, invested in his business, his community, and early Texas. In these activities for 7th grade, learners use primary source documents to explore how a hotel and a stagecoach impacted the development and expansion of Texas businesses and communities. 

Under Development

Under Development

Fort Lancaster Site Guide

Pre-Visit Guide - 4th Grade

Post-Visit Guide - 4th Grade

Exhibit Guide - 4th Grade

Exhibit Guide Answer Key - 4th Grade
 

Pre-Visit Guide - 7th Grade

Post-Visit Guide - 7th Grade

Exhibit Guide - 7th Grade

Exhibit Guide Answer Key - 7th Grade
 

Pre-Visit Guide - High School

Post-Visit Guide - High School

Exhibit Guide - High School

Exhibit Guide Answer Key - High School
 

Fort McKavett Site Guide

Pre-Visit Guide - 4th Grade

Post-Visit Guide - 4th Grade

On-Site Activity - 4th Grade
 

Pre-Visit Guide - 7th Grade

Post-Visit Guide - 7th Grade

On-Site Activity - 7th Grade
 

Pre-Visit Guide - High School

Post-Visit Guide - High School

On-Site Activity - High School
 

A Letter on Texas Annexation  When Texas became an independent republic in 1836, one of the few European countries to recognize that new status was France. Alphonse Isidoré Dubois de Saligny was appointed to serve in Austin as France’s chargé d’affaires, the country’s diplomatic representative in Texas. A few years later, Texas was in the middle of a conflict over annexation to the United States. In this grade 7 lesson from the French Legation State Historic Site, learners analyze primary source translated excerpts from a letter Dubois wrote in 1844 to French Foreign Minister François Guizot describing his conversation with Texas President Sam Houston regarding the issues of Texas’ annexation.