About OurStory

A project of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, OurStory is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through children’s literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.

  • Teaching History through Children's Literature

    Learn more about the OurStory: History Through Children’s Literature programs for families. Find out how you can participate! Learn more »

  • A Proven Strategy

    Learn about the goals and successes of our program. Read more »

  • Teaching Methods

    Hands-on learning and literature are powerful tools in engendering a love of history in children. Learn more »

  • Spread the Word About OurStory

    Find a printable flyer and a special offer to help tell your students and library patrons about OurStory. Learn more »

  • About Our Partnership with the National Center for Family Literacy

    The National Museum of American History and the National Center for Family Literacy are teaming up on OurStory projects! We’re working together to help make reading historical fiction more fun and educational. Read more »

  • Contact Us

Activities

  • Buffalo Hide Painting

    Buffalo Hide Painting

    online interactive

    Learn about the language of Native American buffalo hide paintings, then make a painting of your own!

    Play now »
  • Conduct a Geneological Study

    Conduct a Geneological Study

    hands-on activity

    By interviewing a family member, friend, or neighbor, you can learn about the people and events that contribute to who you are today!

    Download the PDF »
  • Baseball Saved Us

    Read Baseball Saved Us

    recommended book

    Find out about the author and illustrator of this story about a young boy of Japaneses descent who is forced to move to an army prison camp during World War II.

    Download the PDF »

See all OurStory activities »

Smithsonian's History Explorer