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Historical Society of Pennsylvania has wonderful resources to research the National History Day theme Rights and Responsibilities in History.
We live in a Nation founded in rights--rights affirmed by the Declaration, outlined in the Constitution, and cherished by every American. However, do we often stop to ask ourselves what our rights are? Do we ever consider what are our responsibilities to ensure our rights? And, even more, what is the government’s responsibility? What is the government’s right?
This year’s National History Day topic allows us to explore these questions through the past. The resources available at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania are a wonderful source of help for individuals in researching this year’s topic. To assist you in your research, we have broken down the topic into four parts; the three phases of Rights and Responsibilities in American history (establish, extend and restrict) and subjects related to America in the World.
These topic guides were created by Beneficial National History Day Fellow Karalyn McGrorty-Derstine.
Establish
Our Nation was founded on principles--philosophies individuals had dreamed and penned but never put into action. Ideals of equality and self government used to create a nation. Unfortunately, the rights were exclusive to a few.
John Dickinson and the New Nation
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Extend
From its establishment, our Nation has struggled with including all people. Individuals have worked tirelessly to include everyone in the promises of our Nation’s founding. This section explores moments in our Nation’s history in which individuals and movements have pushed our Nation towards fulfillment of its fundamental values, its core ideals.
William Still and the Underground Railroad
Desegregation and Integration in American Education
Women’s Rights: From Suffrage to Roe v Wade and beyond
Restrict
There are groups, actions and laws that have put limitations on us, restrictions that threaten our rights. This section explores moments in our Nation’s history in which rights have been limited and the reaction of the people to these threats to our rights.
House Un-American Activities Commission
America in the World
This section explores International topics supported by the resources of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
British Abolition Movement: William Wilberforce
British Abolition Movement: Thomas Clarkson