Educational Resources

Explore American history through the plethora of writing voices and forms that have shaped the country. Choose an era spanning from colonial times to the late 20th century and learn more about themes that define the American voice.

Download All Materials

Louisa May Alcott Inquiry-Based Curriculum

In partnership with the Great Books Foundation, this Shared Inquiry™ activity was developed for grades 6 and up. This activity focuses on the life and writing of Louisa May Alcott (

Download Activity Guide

A sketch of William Apess from the chest up

William Apess Inquiry-Based Curriculum

In partnership with the Great Books Foundation, this Shared Inquiry™ activity was developed for grades 6 and up. This activity focuses on the life and writing of William Apess (1798-1839).

Download Activity Guide

Sojourner Truth seated, pictured from the waist up with arms on arm rests

Sojourner Truth Inquiry-Based Curriculum

In partnership with the Great Books Foundation, this Shared Inquiry™ activity was developed for grades 6 and up. This activity focuses on the life and writing of Sojourner Truth (c.1797-1883).

Download Activity Guide

A photo from behind of a girl writing on a worksheet in the Nation of Writers gallery at the American Writers Museum

American Voices Teacher Materials

Field trip materials for 5th through 7th graders focus on the American Voices exhibit, which can be viewed in-person or online.

A group of students poses with words projected on them at the Word Waterfall in the American Writers Museum

American Voices Student Materials (Grades 5-7)

This field trip aims to encourage students to explore various authors and their writings, and determine what purpose or motivation each author had to write.

A woman with a tattoo on their arm looks at a swinging door at the American Writers Museum that says Gertrude Bonnin/Zitkala-Sa "Why I Am A Pagan," 1902

American Identities Teacher Materials

Field trip materials for upper middle and high school students focus on an exploration of the theme of identity. Best for grades 8-12.

A student on a field trip at the American Writers Museum, looking at a timeline in the middleground with his classmates in the foreground and background.

American Identities Student Materials (Grades 8-12)

These materials ask students to critically think about essential questions of American identity. Students will explore the Museum with a focus on a subtheme of the American identity: race, religion, gender, and national origin.

An image of a worksheet that allows students to create a bookmark

Bookmark Activity for Students

After exploring the breadth of American Writing, create a bookmark explaining what you would like to write and who inspires you.