Special Topics in History

Special Topics in History

These two-hour-long sessions feature deep dives into topics, eras, and special themes, led by Institute staff and the staff and faculty at outstanding historical institutions. These sessions are free and open to participants across all of our Summer PD programs, both online and in person, as well as to K–12 teachers.

Teaching Literacy Through History

An Introduction to Gilder Lehrman Curricular Programs

July 17, 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET

In this session, Tim Bailey (Director of Curriculum Development and Instructional Design and the 2009 National History Teacher of the Year) will walk through TLTH, TCTH, and EduHam Online strategies and materials and answer questions on best practices for classroom integration.

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The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

The Kennedy Challenge: Inspiring a Divided Nation as Candidate and President

July 23, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

This session will explore how Kennedy used the presidency to challenge Americans to become engaged citizens while defining the role of the modern president.

Presented in partnership with The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

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American Jewish Historical Society

American Jews and the Second Red Scare

July 30, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET

In this session, we’ll go into the archives of the American Jewish Historical Society to view primary source documents that explain and explore the lives of those who found themselves deemed “American subversives” in the years following World War II, and learn how those stories unfolded.

Presented in partnership with the American Jewish Historical Society

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Cemetery with row of veteran graves with US flags

An Introduction to World War II Portraits of Service

August 6, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET

In this session, Professor Michael S. Neiberg (Professor of History and Chair of War Studies at the United States Army War College), Master Teacher Joe Welch (2018 National History Teacher of the Year and 2022 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year), and Nicholas Gliserman (Director of Technology, Information, and Digital Engagement) will walk through World War II Portraits of Service: Why I Served, part of our work with the Veterans Legacy Project. This will include a walkthrough of one of our lessons, “Women’s Enlistment: Stories from the Women’s Army Corps,” and our new WWII Veteran Research Guide. 

Presented in partnership with the Veterans Legacy Program

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