United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Lesson Plans

Browse lesson plans for middle and high school students on Black Americans in Congress and Women in Congress, and other Office of the Historian publications and resources. Choose from a series of activities which include photographs, objects, oral histories, and memorable quotations.

<em>Black Americans in Congress</em>

Black Americans in Congress

Seven lesson plans based on the publication Black Americans in Congress offer a range of activities for students utilizing primary sources about African Americans who served in the House and the Senate.

Oral History

Oral History

In this lesson, students have the opportunity to explore the House of Representatives through the firsthand recollections of longtime employees, Pages, eyewitnesses to historic events, and family of former Members intimately connected to the institution.

<em>Women in Congress</em>

Women in Congress

Seven lesson plans based on the publication Women in Congress offer a range of activities for students utilizing primary sources about women who served in the House and the Senate.

Firecrackers in the House Chamber: The 1954 Shooting (PDF)

Firecrackers in the House Chamber: The 1954 Shooting (PDF)

This activity is designed to accompany the Office of the House Historian’s online exhibition about the shooting in the House Chamber on March 1, 1954. Students will have the opportunity to learn about this historic event at the Capitol through the eyes of witnesses to the attack.

Featured

<em>Women in Congress</em>

Women in Congress

<em>Black Americans in Congress</em>

Black Americans in Congress

Oral History of the House

Oral History of the House

Mapping Congress

Mapping Congress

Highlight: Representative Oscar S. De Priest

Highlight: Representative Oscar S. De Priest

Teacher Book Request Form

(PDF) Complimentary copies of the Office of the Historian publications Women in Congress and Black Americans in Congress are available for educators, subject to availability.

Visiting the Capitol

Information and tips for teachers and school groups planning a trip to the U.S. Capitol.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov