An American history podcast that explores the stories, questions, and struggles that built a nation. Positioned for teachers, parents, and homeschool co-ops (grades 3–8), each episode features an accessible, story-driven narrative complete with editable handouts, primary sources, and interactive Blooket games.
Myth busting America's Big Day! In this Declaration series finale (Crimes of the King, 1776), we bust 5 MYTHS about America's big day. Grab your soda, chips, and burger as we dive into the most important breakup in history!
Read John Adams' actual letter to Abigail predicting the fame of July 2nd, and Pauline Maier's scripture study.
GrievancesExplore Gilder Lehrman's database to bust all 10 myths regarding the drafting of the Declaration.
10 July 4th Myths
Why did the American colonies actually break up with King George? We wrap up our Declaration series by breaking down the final five grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence. Perfect for classrooms and family car rides!
Examine the final charges brought against the King, focusing on instigating violence and trade blockades.
Annotated copy
Why did the American colonies actually break up with King George? In this episode, we explore grievances 13 through 22, focusing on the "fake laws" (like the Intolerable Acts) imposed by the Crown without representation.
Students can play with the web-app game themed around breaking down the "fake laws" of 1776.
Play AppAnalyze how the King dissolved colonial governments and combined with parliament to pass mock trials.
Grievance breakdown
Why did the American colonies break up with King George? We look at grievances 11 and 12, covering the Quartering Acts and how the Crown kept standing armies in cities during times of peace.
Explore redcoat occupation through an interactive student-focused simulation game.
Launch GameGilder Lehrman's annotated copy of standing army and quartering grievances.
Grievance InfoLearn about the Boston Massacre Trials, defense attorney John Adams, and what actually occurred in Boston.
Massacre Trials
Black History Month Special: Who actually offered more freedom to enslaved Black colonists: England or America? Exploring the complex choices faced by Black Patriots (like Peter Salem) and Black Loyalists (like Boston King).
Students take interactive quizzes on the history of Black Patriots and Loyalists in search of freedom.
Play GameRead the memoir of Black Loyalist Boston King and historical profiles of Peter Salem and Elizabeth Freeman.
Boston King BioGilder Lehrman essay detailing the roles and experiences of African Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War Info
Did George Washington repeat King George's crimes when he became president? We explore the Whiskey Rebellion, the power of taxes, and the constitutional checks on the American presidency.
Download the student graphic novel handout detailing the Whiskey Rebellion and comparing GW to the King.
Google Docs FolderPlay a fun interactive class quiz or study individually on Washington's early presidency.
Solo ChallengeExamine the US Constitution and the layout of presidential powers vs. royal grievances.
The ConstitutionExplore Mount Vernon's historical essays uncovering the real myths and history behind President's Day.
Presidents Day History
Why did America break up with England? Exploring crimes 7-10 of King George, covering the obstruction of justice, making judges dependent on the Crown, and refusing colonial self-governance.
Word search, crossword puzzle, and grievances 7-10 explained in plain-English for kids.
Google Docs FolderReview the episode content individually or host a live classroom session with this custom Blooket.
Play Solo ModeReview the National Constitution Center's annotated breakdown of the colonial Declaration.
NCC AnnotationThe Smithsonian Magazine article on the tarring, feathering, and infamous trials of Custom Officer John Malcolm.
Malcolm Story
Why did the American colonies break up with England? We explore grievances 3-6 of King George, looking at how the Crown suspended legislatures and dissolved local assemblies to muzzle the people.
Activity sheet containing vocabulary builders, word search, and crossword mapping to crimes 3-6.
Google Docs FolderTest knowledge of representation issues and colonial legislature bans with this interactive game.
Solo Player GameRead the original drafting and grievances from the National Constitution Center archives.
Annotated Decl.Explore the Gilder Lehrman essay detailing the connection between the Declaration and early women's rights.
Women's Rights Essay
Why did the American colonies break up with England? We kick off our 'Crimes of the King' series with grievances 1 and 2, examining the king's refusal to assent to colonial laws necessary for the public good.
Grievances 1-2 parsed for middle-school comprehension with a word search and crossword.
Google Docs FolderA fast-paced review game on Royal Assent and early colonial legislature conflicts.
Solo Play GameReview the Gilder Lehrman Institute's annotated list of grievances in the Declaration of Independence.
Grievance ListRead an academic essay exploring the concept of self-evident truths and the legacy of Black Americans in 1776.
Black Americans Essay
A nation on the edge. A Christmas for the ages. Enjoy this special narrative episode about General George Washington crossing the icy Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton.
Google Doc containing coloring pages of the crossing, vocabulary matching, and the complete text script.
Coloring & StoryA Christmas miracle Blooket reviewing Washington's retreat and the surprise attack on Trenton.
Solo ChallengeUncover facts and scholarly articles on the crossing from the George Washington Mount Vernon archives.
Mount Vernon Crossing
How a historical joke by Washington Irving in 1809 became the national legend of Santa Claus, later built upon by Clement Clarke Moore and illustrator Thomas Nast.
Worksheet analyzing historical sources, cartoon analysis questions, and reading guide.
Google Docs FolderReview the evolution of Santa Claus from Saint Nicholas to modern day with this Blooket.
Solo Play ModeRead Washington Irving's 1809 Knickerbocker History, Moore's 1823 poem, and view Thomas Nast's original Santa cartoons.
Nast 1863 Cartoon
The launch episode of American Made! What actually happened in Plymouth in 1621? And how did Sarah Josepha Hale run a 36-year campaign to convince Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Activity guide, vocabulary exercises, primary document comparisons, and writing prompts for students.
Google Docs FolderA Thanksgiving game exploring Winslow's letters, Sarah Hale's campaign, and Plymouth colony history.
Solo ChallengeRead Winslow's 1621 letter in Mourt's Relation, Sarah Hale's 1863 letter to Lincoln, and other original sources.
Winslow's Account