America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations highlight and commemorate not just the roles of New York’s citizens during the American Revolution, but also the subsequent 250 years of action toward the ideals of our nation’s founding principles.
The New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide and the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution Resource Guide for educators includes a variety of information, including classroom resources from the Office of Cultural Education at the New York State Education Department, in support of P-12 exploration related to this historic commemoration.
Interpretive Themes
The Field Guide offers six interpretive themes to consider. Focus has been given to the particular history of New York State, with the understanding that the state has many sites of revolutionary struggle beyond the American Revolution itself.
By thinking about this commemoration beyond the American Revolution itself, we are able to consider the ever-evolving history of our state and nation over time.
The theses include: Indigenous History is New York’s History; Choose Your Side; Power of Place; We the People; Unfinished Revolutions; and Changing Interpretations of the Revolution.
Although resources included in this guide are organized by interpretive themes, it’s important to note that many resources cross over several themes.
The guide is meant to showcase classroom-ready support items from the Office of Cultural Education as a starting point to help teach the 250th.
American Revolution Resource Guide
The New York State Education Department has developed the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution Resource Guide, a comprehensive instructional resource designed to help educators explore the complex and inspiring history of the Revolution and the founding of the nation.
It features interdisciplinary, standards-based learning experiences, including adaptable resources, instructional prompts, and project-based learning ideas. A defining feature of the guide is its emphasis on experiential learning, with each instructional prompt paired with opportunities for students to engage directly with New York’s rich collection of Revolutionary War sites.
The resource also aligns with NYSED’s strategic priorities, including the Portrait of a Graduate, by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving.
At the high school level, the activities are further connected to the State’s Civic Readiness Initiative, reinforcing civic engagement.
Upcoming Event
The New York State Library is offering a webinar about the New York State Library’s New York at 250: A Resource Guide for public libraries and other partners. They’ll walk through the guide, explain how it’s organized, and showcase some program ideas with tips and tricks.
The guide is a resource to support libraries as they plan programs and services related to the 250th commemoration.
The webinar takes place at 11 am today, May 5th (sorry for the late announcement). You can register here.
Read more about America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations in New York State.
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