Teach Reconstruction Campaign

https://www.zinnedproject.org/campaigns/teach-reconstruction/

Reconstruction, the era immediately following the Civil War and emancipation, is full of stories that help us see the possibility of a future defined by racial equity. Yet the possibilities and achievements of this era are too often overshadowed by the violent white supremacist backlash. Too often the story of this grand experiment in interracial democracy is skipped or rushed through in classrooms across the country. Today—in a moment where activists are struggling to make Black lives matter—every student should probe the relevance of Reconstruction. Our campaign aims to help teachers and schools uncover the hidden, bottom-up history of this era.

We offer lessons for middle and high school, a student campaign to make Reconstruction history visible in their communities, and an annotated list of recommended teaching guides, student friendly books, primary document collections, and films. This campaign is informed by teachers who have used our Reconstruction lessons and a team of Reconstruction scholars.

Sections:
Why • Lessons • Related Resources • Student Project • Support • Advisors • In the News

A sketch by Jas. E. Taylor of a farmer plowing in South Carolina, 1866. Image: Library of Congress.