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Learn with the Gilder Lehrman Institute

MA in American History

Our master’s degree program gives K–12 educators an affordable way to earn a graduate degree while working full time.

Self-Paced Courses

Explore American history from your own home, in your own time, and at your own pace! Educators can obtain professional development credit.

History School Book Club

Students are invited to help us develop this new program by watching historians talk about their acclaimed books.

Upcoming Events

  • American Historical Holidays
Monday, January 20, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Deepen your knowledge of this holiday with historical documents, essays, videos, and lesson plans from the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

  • Inside the Vault
  • All Audiences
  • Free
Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET

“Ten Talents” of George Washington

In an 1807 letter, John Adams described the "talents" that made Washington popular, including a "handsome face" and "elegant form."

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Students
  • Teachers
Monday, February 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET

EduHam Online Lottery

Last day to submit your best creative piece for the chance to see Hamilton in New York City! 

Book Breaks

Every Sunday at 2:00 pm ET (11:00 am PT) on Zoom

Books leaning against each other

Join us for our weekly interview series in which historians discuss their acclaimed books followed by a Q&A with the at-home audience. Please click any of the upcoming episodes to register. You can purchase any of the books featured on our bookshop.org page, for which we receive an affiliate commission.

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Upcoming Episodes

Our Historical Documents

In 1991, Richard Gilder and Lewis Lehrman embarked on a mission to create one of the most important repositories of historical American documents in the country. Today, the Gilder Lehrman Collection contains 86,000+ items documenting the political, social, and economic history of the United States.

Our catalog is free to search. K–12 students, K–12 educators, and parents can access a selection of 7,800+ full-sized images for free. Others can purchase an annual History Resources subscription for $25.
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History Now

The Online Journal of the Gilder Lehrman Institute

Signing the Declaration of Independence

History Now features essays by the nation’s leading historians and provides the latest in American history scholarship for teachers, students, and general readers.

History Now is completely free for all K-12 students and teachers. Others can purchase a one-year subscription for $25.

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How to Research a World War II Veteran

Learn about the historical research process in this step-by-step guide. As you progress, you will have opportunities to apply what you are learning.

Image: American Servicemen and women in Paris celebrating the unconditional surrender of the Japanese, August 15, 1945 (National Archives, 111-SC-210241)

Crowd of military Service members holding up newspapers with "PEACE" headline in large letters

News

Our News

Stay up to date with all the work that we do to combat historical illiteracy and invigorate the study of the past.

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Newsletter

Catch up on the highlights from our work with students, teachers, researchers, and the general public.

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Press Releases

See all official press releases for our important events, significant programs, and special initiatives.

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