Digital Learning Resources
If you are unable to join us in person, explore our digital resources here—organized by grade level and audience—to bring history home. For questions about digital learning resources or programs, email [email protected].
National History Day Resources
With over 7 million documents and 10 exhibitions on Maryland history, the Maryland Center for History and Culture is the perfect place to research your National History Day project.
Video Lesson Package
INTRODUCING – The Black Freedom Struggle during the Civil War Video Lesson Package from the Maryland Center for History and Culture! This FREE three-part video lesson includes pre-made lessons, short videos, and activities focusing on the Black Freedom Struggle in Maryland during the Civil War. Topics include “Slavery and Activism Leading up to the Civil War,” “United States Colored Troops,” and the “13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.” These short and easy to use lessons are perfect additions to your United States History curriculum.
Grades K-4
Getting Creative with Emotions
How are emotions conveyed through facial expressions, body language, voice, and color? Inspired by Jim Henson’s creativity in his work, this 60-minute lesson explores the versatility of emotion and encourages students to use their imagination in creating their own puppets and dialogue.
Margaret Brent and the Right to Vote
Margaret Brent was the first woman in Maryland to ask for the right to vote during the colonial era. Learn about her life and what it means to vote in this fun activity.
Create a Protest Sign
Students analyze a photograph taken by Afro-American newspaper photographer Paul Henderson of the Ford’s Theater protest in Baltimore and answer related questions. After looking at the primary source, students make their own protest sign.
The Chesapeake Bay
Whether for food, travel, or fun, the Chesapeake Bay has always been important to Marylanders. Let your students explore the Chesapeake through video analysis from our “You and Your Watershed” Virtual Field Trip and through a fun word search. This video was created in partnership with the National Aquarium.
Watch the Video and Open the Lesson
How to Make Butter Lesson
Want to mix history and science? Students watch an informative video on how butter is made, and learn how to make butter themselves.
Watch the Video and Open the Lesson
Clothing of Colonial Maryland Lesson
Through photographic exploration and a fun word search, this lesson teaches students about the clothing styles in colonial Maryland.
Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 Activity
Explore an earlier time when a community reacted to a major disaster. Students analyze maps, images, and laws to see how Baltimore changed due to the Great Fire.
Grades 4-8
Civil War Diary Analysis
During the American Civil War, women’s lives were affected by all aspects of the war. In this lesson, students use primary sources to explore how war impacted one Maryland woman.
Grades 8-12
Fleet Week
Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore celebrates the rich naval traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and the contributions of Marylanders to the defense of the nation. Find primary sources and information in our Teacher Resource Guide and Family Booklet, created in partnership with Historic Ships in Baltimore and Living Classrooms, to bring the history of race, gender, shipbuilding, and war into your classroom and home.
The 15th Amendment
The passage of the 15th Amendment prohibited race-based limitations on suffrage, opening the opportunity for African American men to vote. Use the primary source image to answer questions about the celebration of this achievement!
Collecting Students’ Stories of the Baltimore Uprising
The 2015 Baltimore Uprising was a pivotal moment in Maryland’s history. Students are invited to share their memories of the events that took place during the Uprising.
Share Your Story
World War I Poster Analysis
You will analyze the primary source image in order to build knowledge about the goals of the U.S. Government and supporting organizations during World War I.
Activities for Families
Work & Play on the Bay Activity
Did you know the Chesapeake Bay is almost 200 miles long? Learn even more about the Chesapeake Bay and the history of the animals and people who have called the Bay their home in this online, interactive activity.
Open Activity
Passion for Fashion Booklet
Do you have a passion for fashion? Bring our Spectrum of Fashion exhibition to your home. Download our Fashion booklet to try your hand at designing clothes based on our collection, or color in your favorite designs.
Life Then & Now Activity
Check out our interactive, online activity to travel back to the 1800s, meet five children from Maryland, and learn about their lives and their world.
Open Activity
Video Library
From the American Revolution to oysters and civil rights, the MCHC’s Education Department produces a wide range of educational video material. Check out our Video Library.
Resources from Other Institutions
Babe Ruth Birthplace Coloring Pages
Baltimore Museum of Industry #MuseumFromHome Activities
B&O Railroad Museum Junior Junction Virtual Story Time & Educational Activities
The Fire Museum of Maryland Storytime and STEM Activities
Friends of Fort McHenry Coloring Sheets: Star-Spangled Banner | Francis Scott Key
Historic Ships Virtual Tours
Jewish Museum of Maryland Goes Digital
Johns Hopkins University Museums: tour Homewood and browse Evergreen’s collection
Maryland Women’s Heritage Center – HERstory, Women in STEM, Unsung Heroines
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House #MuseumFromHome Activities and Blog