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.
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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 »
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A Proven Strategy
Learn about the goals and successes of our program. Read more »
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Teaching Methods
Hands-on learning and literature are powerful tools in engendering a love of history in children. Learn more »
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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 »
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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 »
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Contact Us
Activities
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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
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 » -
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 »