Emerging America’s online exhibits model engaging uses of primary and secondary sources from Western Massachusetts museums and archives. These stories serve as starting points to address major national themes and events in American history.
Each exhibit features a select set of documents, maps, artifacts, and images, placed in context through secondary sources from expert scholars. Students can dive directly into the stories, or explore dynamic maps, time lines, and multi-media. Within each exhibit, teachers can also access lesson plans, links to standards, and guidance on teaching methods.
Designed for grades 3-7 and 8-12. Focuses on an extraordinary community of utopian abolitionists and reformers of the 1840s. Enter the exhibit.
Designed for grades 8-12. Explores the 1826 voyage of the first Connecticut River steamboat into Massachusetts, opening a new era of industrial and economic expansion for this part of New England. Enter the exhibit.
Designed for grades 3-12. Demonstrates the central role of the Armory in leading the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s through innovative engineering and organization. Also examines expanded employment of women and blacks by the Federal Government in the 20th Century. Enter the exhibit.