Educators Blog

Thrift - a NEW old concept for the classroom
4/9/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Is Thrift an idea that defines American qualities, or just an old fashioned concept that has no place in modern America?   What does thrift mean today?  What is its relevance in post-Recession America? 

Come and learn for yourself at a Teacher Institute on Ben Franklin's Thrift July 29 through August 2. 

Topics: Business, Economics, Government and civics, Women
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It's almost 200 years since the War of 1812
4/9/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Did you know that the Historical Society of Pennsylvania can be a resource for teaching about the War of 1812?  In June, we will commemorate the beginning of the War of 1812 with a Document Display Day on Monday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

But before the school year ends, check out our online resources! 

Topics: Arts and Culture, Military conflict, War of 1812
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Help Write Philadelphia History
3/30/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Teachers have a chance this summer to move learn more about Philadelphia history AND to contribute to The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia by registering for the summer institute Philadelphia History For Teachers. From July 16 to 20, teachers will hear lectures by renowned historians, participate in hands-on workshops, take behind-the-scenes tours, and discuss how to put this knowledge into action.

Topics: 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Philadelphia
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Hear Harold Holzer and other great speakers at Civil War Teacher Institute
3/23/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Did you know that the Emancipation Proclamation is approaching an anniversary?  On September 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which went into full effect on January 1, 1863. 

Topics: Abolition, Civil Rights, Civil War, Politics, Slavery
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How to find primary sources on the new HSP website
3/9/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

The new Historical Society of Pennsylvania website offers teachers many ways to access primary sources.  The first way I would suggest is by seeing what is in the Primary Source section of Education.  The sources here are used within the Unit Plans but can searched by keyword and topic in the Primary Source section so that you can use them as you wish in teaching. 

The source information also may include a number of handy features:

Topics: Education
Comments: 0
What are the themes in your early American history class?
2/29/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

What themes do you use to teach American colonial history? I came across an interesting critique in Common-Place by Darcy R.Fryer of teaching pre-Revolutionary American history in college survey courses .  The observation rings true for secondary education too. 

Topics: 17th century, 18th century, Colonial period, Education
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New resources for teaching politics and history
2/17/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Do you teach political science?  History of the Progressive era?  HSP has two great new resources for you!

This fall we dedicated an issue of Pennsylvania Legacies to political reform.  In this issue not only will you find fascinating articles about reforms in the Commonwealth from 1890 through 1950 but also ideas on how to use the publication in teaching.

Topics: 20th century, Politics
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Need a new way to begin the class period?
2/10/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Each week the Historical Society of Pennsylvania publishes its blog "Question of the Week."  You can find this blog from the home page of our website or on any Education section page.

Topics: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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National History Day Tips
2/3/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

The deadline for NHD Philly entries is fast approaching!  Friday, February 24 is the deadline to register for the regional competition, and all papers and website projects are due.

This week two interns and I joined a group visiting Wilson Middle School.  We worked with the students, answering their questions about their research process.  I realized that that others may have similar questions. Here are some tips borne of those discussions.

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HSP Offers Students Help for NHD
1/17/12
Author: Beth A Twiss Houting

Welcome to our first Educators Blog post!  We hope that you will find the news and discussion on the this blog helpful in teaching history.

National History Day Philly is fast approaching!  The regional competition is March 28 and 29, with registration closing on February 24.

To help students get a move on, check out the new National History Day section of this website.  We have

Comments: 0