NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Deep divisions over how Americans remember their past are coming into sharper focus as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Judy Woodruff reports for her series, America at a Crossroads.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Where does Alan Spears work?
- What historic discovery did Spears make, and why did he think it was important?
- Why is Spears concerned about the Trump administration's changes to historical markers?
- What does President Trump's executive order on historical memory say should be highlighted at historical sites?
- How does Brenda Hafera defend the Trump administration's changes to historic markers?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Who do you think should decide how public history such as monuments or museum exhibits are displayed?
Media literacy: How do you think Judy Woodruff chose the two main interview subjects in this segment? What perspectives do they represent? Do you think they represent a balance of perspectives or not, and why so?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the following segment on preservation of historical material in the face of changes to the Smithsonian museums. As a class, brainstorm — what aspects of the history of the U.S. do you think it's important to highlight? How can everyday citizens help preserve that history, regardless of actions of the federal government?
As a class, discuss public art and history in your own community.
- What monuments, museums or other public art tell the story of where you're from and some of the people who helped build your community?
- If you could choose one person, place or event to memorialize as a monument, exhibit or through public art, what would you choose?
- If there's time, sketch out your idea and share as a class!
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter with Daily News Lessons and community events.
To provide feedback on News Hour Classroom's resources, including this lesson, click here.
