Smithsonian Primary Sources in U.S. History
Experience History at its Source
Gale and Smithsonian have partnered to deliver an online resource designed to provide teachers and librarians with primary source content to support U.S. History and AP U.S. History classes. Smithsonian Primary Sources in U.S. History brings hand-curated material from the experts at the Smithsonian directly to classrooms and students, allowing teachers to incorporate required primary source content into U.S. History classes.
Choose from 15 eras and over 1,800 seminal primary sources including documents, maps, historical objects, and other materials from the museums, archives, and collections of the Smithsonian and Gale's leading digital collections.
FEATURED AWARD
2017 SIIA CODIE AWARDS FINALIST
Best Social Sciences or Social Studies Instructional Solution
- SIIA
Look Inside
Additional Details
Platform Features & Tools
Workflow Tools
Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft 365 tools enable users to share, save, and download content—including highlights and notes. Learn More
Primary Source Documents
More than 1,800 curated primary source documents cover the scope and sequence of a high school U.S. History course.
Aligned Content
Detailed curriculum correlations align the primary sources to national social science and literacy standards for easy-to-see application across subjects.
Reviews & Testimonials
“This database is a treasure trove for students, teachers, curriculum writers, and researchers looking for authenticated primary source documents."
“In the hands of students, primary sources prove to be valuable learning tools.”
“Smithsonian Primary Sources in U.S. History is packaged for you vs. grabbing random items out on the web. You can embed and incorporate content, videos, and images into your daily teaching.”
“What specifically strikes me are all the documents that fall under the heading of ‘the power of words’—there are so many that can be used for so many classes. These would fulfill our Common Core Standards of using foundational documents.”
"This is a useful, high quality database to share with students to show them the value of using primary sources in their learning. Recommended."
