Four part series on the National Historic Preservation Act.
In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, The History Channel and leading educators from the National Park Service, the National Archives and Records Administration, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Trust for Historic Preservation will present you with four special plans that examine the impact of the NHPA.
Download an "Introduction to NHPA" now!
Learn about the origins of the national preservation movement and download a PDF file excerpted from Newspaper in Education's supplement entitled "Preserving America's Heritage: National Historic Preservation Act 40th Anniversary" for background reading on the origins of the NHPA and the national preservation movement.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History Lesson Plan
Students will use the online resources of the Smithsonian, learn how to utilize public records to research the history of a building and apply their knowledge to trace the history of a building within their own community. A timeline extension project is also included!
Download lesson plan (PDF file).
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Lesson Plan
Students will use the online resources of NARA, study historic documents relating to preservation and relate their findings to their own local community. An extension project relating to the preservation of local veteran graves is also included!
Download lesson plan (PDF file).
National Park Service Lesson Plan
Students will use the online resources of the NPS, explore local historic sites, analyze the impact of preservation activities and the NHPA, and work on projects to share what they have learned with others in their communities. Some students may choose to prepare a National Register nomination on a place they have researched!
Download lesson plan (PDF file).
