Presents a lesson where the students participate in a simulation of the process at Ellis Island in order to understand the feelings people underwent during immigration. Explains that the students choose and research a character, either fictional or a relative, and act out the experience of entering Ellis Island. (CMK)

Provides background information on Robert Portner and Jennie Dean focusing on their contributions to the community of Manassas, Virginia, and the events leading up to their legacies at Manassas. Considers the importance of family history as U.S. history and includes an assignment that enabling students to create their own stories derived from…

In history classes, each student should (1) be encouraged to learn about his or her own past, and (2) be actively involved in the process of learning. For example, students can be asked to find out every thing they can that was going on the day they were born. (RM)

Offers historical information on the underground railroad, a secret organization that attempted to move slaves from bondage to freedom. Focuses on William Still, one of the most effective organizers of the underground railroad, and the story of his family. Addresses the reunion between Still and his brother Peter. (CMK)

Describes a family history course for first-year college students that emphasizes critical thinking skills. The course is organized first chronologically, through three historically-ideal types of families, and then by topics, such as generational relations and courtship. Includes a list of concepts and words students must know. (CMK)

Explains how the experience of discussing family issues in the public arena, especially on radio talk shows, has caused the author to rethink her approach to teaching family history. Discusses two techniques that can assist students in keeping their feelings about their own family experiences from interfering with their understanding of history.…

Provides a list of teaching materials and general background information from the ERIC database on migrations and directions for obtaining the full text of these materials; topics include, but are not limited to, women immigrants, immigration policy, and immigrant history and experiences in the United States. (CMK)

Discusses three means for incorporating the study of U.S. family law within secondary and college classrooms: (1) studying the periods of family law; (2) exploring the themes of family law, such as judicial dominance; and (3) learning about particular episodes of family law, such as judicial construction of a particular doctrine. (CMK)

Provides a list of Internet resources on family history that cover topics such as colonial families, shifting family ideals, families in the Early Republic, families in bondage, westward migration, families during the Great Depression, journals, reference sources, and lesson plans. (CMK)

Asserts that historians and other scholars have recognized the family as a pervasive influence on common culture. Maintains that historians of the American west have ignored families as an historical force. Discusses the significance of family structure and roles and argues that the family must take a prominent place in historian's work. (CFR)

Presents an introduction and overview of the field of oral history. Briefly explores the broad range of subjects with which oral history techniques can be utilized. Covers recent trends and developments including the use of oral history interviews in plays, radio dramas, and documentaries. Lists seminal and current works. (MJP)

Provides an annotated bibliography on teaching family history, organized by eight approaches to the topic: (1) chronological; (2) multicultural families (comparative); (3) the life-cycle (4) gender; (5) impact of major historical events on families; (6) family and public policy; (7) family rituals; and (8) genealogical. (CMK)

Contends that historians are now using historical sites to produce three-dimensional experiences with the past that cannot be obtained in any other way. Asserts that Stratford Hall Plantation, the Lee family home in Virginia, is an outstanding example of such a site. (CFR)

Provides an overview of the changes and diversity in the history of the U.S. family. Focuses on topics such as family life during colonial times, the themes and variations in family patterns, the emergence of the "republican" family, enslaved families, family life during the twentieth century, and contemporary families. (CMK)

Presents three exercises, employing research of census materials (available from the National Archives), and class or independent field trips to cemeteries, historical societies, and libraries to teach immigration history. Advocates primary sources as teaching resources for family history studies. Includes three documents for classroom use.…