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A. Primary Sources vs. Secondary Sources

The students will learn the differences between primary sources and secondary sources through a game activity.

B. Why Does Delaware Have Such a Strange Shape? (time period: early 17th century – present)

This lesson is presented in the form of a play. The play will focus on the history of how Delaware’s borders were determined and the land dispute between William Penn and Lord Baltimore.

C. Shall We Go Dutch? (time period: early to mid-17th century)

In this lesson the students will learn about the fate of the first Dutch settlement in Delaware. Could it have been avoided?

D. This Land is Your Land (time period: 17th and 18th century)

The students will learn about early land ownership in Delaware.

E. Tobacco Road (time period: 17th century to mid-18th century)

In this lesson the students will discover that tobacco played an important economic role in early colonial Delaware.

F. Why Did Delawareans Use Slaves? (time period: 17th and 18th century)

The students will compare the roles of indentured servants and slaves in colonial Delaware.

G. Property? (time period: 17th century to 1865)

This lesson uses a probate inventory to show that slaves were considered property. Note: This lesson may require sensitivity training before being presented.

H. I Spy (time period: American Revolution, 1775 – 1783)

The focus of this lesson is a letter written by a Delaware soldier in the Continental Army.

I. Why is Delaware Called “The First State”? (time period: 1787 – present)

The students will learn about the events that led to Delaware becoming the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.

J. The Delaware Flag (time period: 1777 – present)

In this lesson ,the students will learn about the history and symbolism of the Delaware Flag.

K. “That All Men Are Created Equal” (time period: American Revolution, 1775 – 1783)

In this lesson the students will discover that a significant number of Americans fighting for independence were also slave owners. Note: This lesson may require sensitivity training before being presented.

L. Hit the Road Jack (or Jill) (time period: late 18th century to early 19 century)

The students will learn how and why new roads in Delaware were built in the late 18th and early 19th century.

M. Censusmania (time period: 1787 – present)

The students will learn about the importance of the United States Census.

N. Give Me a “C”, Give Me a “D”, Give Me the C & D Canal! (time period: early 19th century – present)

In this lesson ,the students will find the location of the C & D Canal and learn about its importance in Delaware history.

O. Jints and Hannah (time period: mid-19th century)

Students will examine a photograph of a slave with a small child.

P. The Abolitionist Movement (time period: late 18th century – 1865)

Using a broadside and an anti-slavery petition, students will create their own anti-slavery broadside.

Q. The Underground Railroad (time period: early 19th century – 1865)

This lesson is a game activity that examines Delaware’s role in the Underground Railroad.

R. Free African-Americans in Delaware (time period: 19th century)

This lesson focuses on the free African-American population in Delaware during the 19th century.

S. Let’s Put Delaware on the Map! (time period: early 19th century – present)

Students will compare a current Delaware map to a Delaware map created in 1819.

Additional Resources


Image Gallery

Additional Background Reading Materials

Acknowledgements