This document provides information about education resources and programs available from the Senator John Heinz History Center. It offers hands-on history education through historic characters, artifact analysis, and local connections. Specific programs highlighted include tours on Pittsburgh's pastimes and history, workshops on various history topics that fulfill teacher Act 48 requirements, and involvement in the National History Day program to inspire student research and skills. Educators are encouraged to join the free Educators' Network for benefits like lesson plans and a museum shop discount.

1. Mariruth Leftwich
Education Manager
maleftwich@heinzhistorycenter.org

2. The Senator John Heinz History Center is . . .
•An affiliate of the Smithsonian
Institution
•Largest history museum in
Pennsylvania
•Oldest cultural institution in the
region, preserving our region’s history
since 1879
•Devoted to American history with a
Western Pennsylvania connection
•YOUR home for social studies
education resources

3. Experience History
 Historic Characters bring history to life
 Hands-on activities encourage experiential
learning
 Artifact and source analysis promotes inquiry
 Local connections increase relevance

4. Pittsburgh’s Lost Steamboat:
Treasures of the Arabia
 Pittsburgh: Gateway to the West
 Unearthing the Arabia
 Journey of the Arabia distance
learning
We Can Do It!: WWII
 Forging Freedom
 United We Stand
 Curriculum Package

5.  6 new sessions that will be piloted this Fall
 Include hands-on activities that connect the
history of innovation and invention in
Pittsburgh with STEM skills
 Utilizes our collection in exciting new ways

6.  Guided Tours
- New Themes:
- Pittsburgh’s Pastimes
- Making a Mark
- Pittsburgh at War
 Self-guided Tours
- New materials to support these visits

7.  Source analysis, student
facilitated interviews, and
group discussions.
 At the History Center or
your school
 Themes:
- Military Veterans: Trials &
Tribulations of War
- The 1960s: The Decade that
Rocked America

8. Act 48 Workshops
 Interactive History
 George Washington’s Mt.
Vernon
 A World on Fire
 Regional Differences in
Slavery
 Social Studies & STEM
 Preserving the Personal
 World War II Homefront
 Forging Freedom:
Wartime Steel
 Excellence in Practice
Conference

9.  National History Day (NHD) is a year-long
program that engages students in grades 6-12 in
the process of discovery and interpretation of
historical topics.
 Students produce dramatic performances,
imaginative exhibits, multimedia
documentaries, websites, and research papers
based on research related to an annual theme.
 These projects are then evaluated at local, state,
and national competitions.

10. TEACHES critical thinking, writing, and research skills and
boosts performance across all subjects.
PREPARES students for college, career and citizenship.
INSPIRES students to do more than they ever thought they
could.
On nearly every
measure, NHD
students’ scores or
ratings were higher
than their peers who
did not participate in
the program.
- Kickoff event at the History Center for
students October 8 and 9
- February Registration Deadlines
- Regional Competition March 14 and 15, 2015

11. www.heinzhistorycenter.org/classroom

12. Open Houses
 Meadowcroft, Sept. 13

13. Open Houses
 Fort Pitt Museum, Sept. 17

14.  Join our FREE Educators'
Network and receive:
• Regular e-newsletters that
include lesson plans and
instructional content
• A 10% Museum Shop
coupon
• Opportunities to get
involved in the development
of educational sessions and
resources