Reports on presentations made at a symposium sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities Council. Papers dealt with teaching the French Revolution by presenting European history in new relationships with the rest of the world and by examining the Declaration of the Rights of Man as it related to the role of women. (KO)

The author discusses with Charlotte Crabtree, principal author of the California History Social Science Framework, the place of history within the curriculum in the context of recent social studies curriculum reforms. Delineates how multiculturalism, religion, and history are treated in the framework. Describes the textbook selection process and…

Surveys U.S. historiography dealing with Christopher Columbus from the eighteenth century to the present. Traces the changes in interpretation, treating Columbus as a hero, a victim, a visionary, a genius, and a mariner. Discusses past textbook treatments of Columbus and the portrayal of minorities in descriptions of his expeditions. (DK)

Reports findings indicating that high school U.S. history teachers spend more time teaching about the twentieth century than earlier eras. Indicates that the reverse is true of world history teachers. Suggests that both teacher groups rely heavily on textbooks, lectures, and discussion. Reveals that teachers desire greater home support for…

Contends that, when laypeople read history, they prefer to read biographies--stories about leaders and people--rather than about social forces and ideas. Argues that the most effective way of writing biography is to write chronologically, not to use flashbacks or flash forward writing. (CFR)

Presents an insider's view of the process involved in creating award-winning historical, biographical documentaries. Argues that documentary filmmakers and historians share a common mission in presenting as complete and accurate a picture of the past as possible. Maintains that the central difference between the two is in the selection of…

Presents an interview by National Endowment for the Humanities chairman, Sheldon Hackney, with historian John Higham on multiculturalism and national identity. Contends that the centrifugal forces of national, ethnic, and religious diversity need countervailing forces to hold the nation together. (CFR)

Presents an interview with historian Cary Carson of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and author William Styron on the role of history in society. Outlines the once-proposed Disney history theme park near Mannassas, Virginia. Discusses historical interpretation, museums, historical sites, and popular history. (CFR)

Presents results of a survey of high school history teachers which shows that advanced placement teachers are more likely to have a master's degree. Reports that such teachers are more academically demanding than general enrollment history teachers. Emphasizes the importance of adequate history preparation in teacher accreditation programs. (DK)

Presents an interview with historian Gerhard Weinberg by Sheldon Hackney of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Asserts that the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II also marks the end of the postwar world. Discusses post-World War II diplomacy and international relations. (CFR)

Discusses the editing project that produced "The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower." Reassesses Eisenhower's military and presidential leadership and organizational abilities. Demonstrates Eisenhower's skill as a leader, covering 1942 to 1960. Examines Eisenhower's term as Columbia University's president. Includes three letters that are…

Discusses "Always a River," a joint project of six midwestern state humanities councils that focuses on the Ohio River Valley's history, ecology, and development. Highlights exhibitions to be set up on a river barge that will tour Ohio River towns and cities during 1991. Stresses interrelationships between the river and the communities…

Outlines projects organized by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council to celebrate the Bill of Rights bicentennial. Concentrates on a poster exhibit consisting of 12 panels depicting civil rights with accompanying essays. Stresses promoting the Bill of Rights' relevance to students' lives and the humanities role in teaching lessons from history and…