The American Square Dance became the official National Folk Dance of America by an act of Congress in 1982. Although the square dance contains some elements similar to the New England Quadrille, the Kentucky Running Set is thought to be the true foundation for its movements and configurations. The Running Set has been traced back to the source of…

Demonstrates how education can be studied through folk literature and humor, using Seba Smith's folk hero, Major Jack Downing. Illustrates a broadened conception of what constitutes education and contributes to education other than schooling. (Author/CK)

America's Four Hundredth Anniversary Committee, formed in 1978 under the provisions of an act of the North Carolina General Assembly of 1973, was charged with recommending plans for the observance of the quadricentennial of the first English attempts to explore and settle North America. The committee has proposed to carry out a variety of programs…

In 1868, Africatown was established in Mobile and Prichard, Alabama, by members of the last cargo of slaves brought to the United States. The community deserves recognition as a National Historic District because it is one of the few places in America where most residents can collectively trace their lineage to a group of pure Africans. In its…

A theme issue of the Iowa State Historical Department magazine ("The Goldfinch") focuses on elementary readings and activities about Iowa prairie life. A total of 13 articles is included. In "History Makers," eight letters recount student and teacher prairie experiences. "The Prairie: Problems or Paradise?" recounts…

Outlines the concurrent development of Black music and Black dance in the United States, and describes the interaction of the two genres throughout their mutually dependent evolutions. Traces the histories of the dances of African American culture, known collectively as "jazz dance," in relation to ragtime, jazz, and the blues. (AF)

In Nevada a book was developed to bring history to life for adult students who are beginning to discover the joy of reading and to let new readers and tutors tell their own stories about reading. The first part of the book includes 17 original stories written by Phillip Earl, a popular author and newspaper columnist in Nevada. Articles were…

In Nevada a book was developed to bring history to life for adult students who are beginning to discover the joy of reading and to let new readers and tutors tell their own stories about reading. The first part of the book includes 10 original stories written by Phillip Earl, a popular author and newspaper columnist. Articles were selected for…

America's Four Hundredth Anniversary Committee, formed in 1978 under the provisions of an act of the North Carolina General Assembly of 1973, was charged with recommending plans for the observance of the quadricentennial of the first English attempts to explore and settle North America. The committee has proposed to carry out a variety of programs…

Argues that teaching history through poetry to secondary-level students presents a broad humanistic perspective of each era studied. Demonstrates the method by including four poems to illustrate different perspectives on immigration to the United States. Claims that history becomes more memorable and understandable, and that poems in themselves…

Explores the family farm as an economic institution and cultural symbol in U.S. history. Explains how farms worked as economic units. Contrasts the idyllic family farm against realities of business failures and family problems. Examines the family farm's role in shaping the U.S. character and asks what its essential demise will mean. (CH)

This paper depicts the historical background and lifestyle of the Powhatan Indians. There are approximately 30 such tribes in present-day Maryland, Virginia, and near the North Carolina border. The name Powhatan is defined, and the history and current lifestyles of the Virginia and New Jersey Powhatans are described. Contemporary Powhatan social…

Compares John Bull and Uncle Sam as iconographic symbols, respectively personifying male images of the British and United States national characters. Recounts their origins, evolutions, and representative values, and includes cartoons depicting the evolution. Describes female counterparts: Britannia and Columbia/Liberty. (CH)

The achievements and fictional exploits of Davy (or David) Crockett have entered the American imagination--it is difficult to distinguish what he did and said from what has been attributed to him. And it is also difficult to discuss the influence of the frontier on the American temperament without reference to David Crockett. This lesson plan…

Written by history students at Gary High School, Gary, Texas, this issue includes two articles relevant to East Texas history. "Mission Dolores and Jim Corbin," (Moss Heaton and others) is a summary of material presented by Professor James Corbin about the early Spanish presence in East Texas. The first attempt at setting up a mission…