Providing free education tools and materials for teachers, interpreters, students, and lifelong learners inside and outside the National Park Service is one important way we support the agency's mission. The value of America's cultures and diverse heritages may be lost if it's not passed on to the next generation or experienced by the present one.
The National Park Service offers tools such as the Teaching with Historic Places program and the Teacher's Portal. The Teaching with Historic Places Program offers free, online lesson plans featuring the places where American women made history as pioneers, activists, entrepreneurs, humanitarians, and more. Find lesson plans about historic places in National Parks and in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects.
Educators and parents can also find resources for all grade levels in the Teacher’s Portal. Search for lesson plans, traveling trunks, materials for loan, and more.
The National Park Service also offers other resources, including theme studies and Junior Ranger books. Check out the “Did You Know?” section to discover the little-known stories of American women.
Teaching with Historic Places
These lesson plans use historic places in National Parks and in the National Register of Historic Places to enliven history and civics.
Teaching Justice
A series of learning activities from Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument teaching identity, diversity, justice, and action.
Women's History to Teach Year 'Round
Each has primary or secondary source reading, photographs, and activities. These short lessons are designed to fit into an hour or less.
Lesson Plans
-
Eleanor Roosevelt at Val-KillThis lesson plan explores Val-Kill, Eleanor's personal home later in life. This sites commemorates her life and achievements.
-
Mary McLeod Bethune Council HouseMary McLeod Bethune, founder of the National Council of Negro Women, helped give a voice to African Americans. Learn more about her story.
-
'Iolani PalaceThis lesson plan explores the history of the Hawaiian Royal Family, including the last monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
-
Entrepreneurs: Madam C.J. WalkerDiscover the journey of Madame C.J. Walker and J.C. Penny in establishing and growing their businesses.
-
Stonewall StorytimeExplore topics of gender and sexuality and facilitate a conversation about universal themes & values.
-
Women in World War II LessonsHere you’ll find place-based educational resources relating to women's history during World War II.
Other Resources
-
Theme StudiesBrowse National Park Service theme studies related to women's history.
-
Women's Suffrage Lesson PlansDiscover lesson plans about women's suffrage and the 19th Amendment.
-
Teaching Civic EngagementThese mini-lessons make it easier to fit civics education into a variety of social studies classrooms.
More Lesson Plans
Last updated: February 20, 2024