|
Risking Everything: A Freedom Summer Reader
 | | by Michael Edmonds |
"Risking Everything: A Freedom Summer Reader" documents the 1964 Freedom Summer project, when SNCC and CORE workers and volunteers went to Mississippi to challenge segregation. They attempted to register voters, teach in Freedom Schools, and establish a new political party. More than 60,000 black Mississippians risked everything to join them.
In the 44 original documents in this anthology, you'll read their letters, eavesdrop on their meetings, shudder at their suffering, and admire their courage. You'll witness the final hours of three workers murdered on the project's first day, hear testimony by black residents who bravely stood up to police torture and Klan firebombs, and watch the liberal establishment betray them at the Democratic National Convention.
These vivid primary sources, collected by the Wisconsin Historical Society, provide both firsthand accounts of this astounding grassroots struggle as well as a broader understanding of the civil rights movement
Available this spring, pre-order it now from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press!
|
|
|
National History Day
| |
|
National History Day in Wisconsin
NHD in Wisconsin Coordinator
It's that time of year again! We are looking forward to National History Day contest season and it's time to start setting up our volunteers and judges.
The NHD State Contest held in Madison is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2014.
Students have completed exhibits, documentaries, papers, websites, and performances in connection with the 2014 annual theme of "Rights and Responsibilities in History."
Judges evaluate student projects, briefly interview the 6-12 grade participants, and select those students who will move on to the next level of competition. We also need volunteers who can help in other important roles, see the online sign up for details. We think a wide variety of perspectives from judges allows students to get the best quality feedback for improving their work, so please forward this to any friends, family, or colleagues who may have an interest in attending.
We are always in need of judges/volunteers to have the event run smoothly. For the state contest we require upwards of 150 judges/volunteers to accommodate the over 650 students in attendance.
Sign up to volunteer online!
Please contact Sarah Fallon with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
|
 |
|
|
The Wisconsin Historical Society Educator Update curates the most current education-related news from the Wisconsin Historical Society and beyond.
|
|
Education Services
Like Us on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter 
Like our new Facebook page to see highlights and tips for educators. Or follow us on Twitter (@WHSEducation) to see the latest quips and bits!
 | | Photo by Jacopo Werther (cc) |
A Short Hiatus
Our newsletter goes on a short hiatus while the curator/compiler/interpreter looks to avoid wearing a bionic brace. See you in May!
|
|
|
Freedom Summer
 The Wisconsin Historical Society has begun digitizing Civil Rights manuscripts for the approaching 50th anniversaries of Mississippi Freedom Summer (1964), the Civil Rights Act (1964), and the Voting Rights Act (1965). As the movement was unfolding, Society archivists traveled through the South gathering records from local organizations and activists. Many other collections soon followed, and today the Society owns one of the nation's largest archives of Civil Rights material. Records relating to 1964's Mississippi Freedom Summer are currently being scanned so they can be shared online. This was a three month project to challenge the state's segregationist voting laws by inviting hundreds of Northern college students to help organize voters. It was dramatized in the 1988 film, "Mississippi Burning." About 35,000 manuscript pages have been digitized so far. The collection should be available to the public this summer. For more information, contact Michael Edmonds.
|
|
Wisconsin Historical Museum
Jennifer Kolb, Museum Director
We look forward to seeing you at the Wisconsin Historical Museum this spring! Spring...the days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and thousands of Wisconsin students descend on the Capitol Square. If you have already scheduled your visit to the Historical Museum this spring, we look forward to seeing you soon! If you haven't scheduled yet there is still time! Please call our Tour Office at (608) 264-6557 or email to set up a time. Our staff would be happy to assist you schedule your visit to the State Capitol, Veterans Museum, or other Madison destinations.
 | | Photo by Tamara Thompsen |
Join us in April for exciting children's programming!
April 12, 2014, 1-1:45 pmWisconsin Shipwrecks for Kids Join Underwater Archaeologist Tamara Thomsen as she shares stories from beneath the waves of the Great Lakes. Dive in and learn how underwater archaeologists use clues from a shipwreck site to answer questions about the past, such as finding out why a ship sank and what life on the vessel was like for the sailors and passengers. There are approximately 700 shipwrecks in Wisconsin waters, and each one can tell us something unique about Wisconsin's rich maritime history.
Friday, April 18, 2014, 10 am-2 pmPlaytimes of the Past Explore a different side of history in this drop-in spring break program. Discover toys and games from Wisconsin's past, enjoy a snack, and create an art project to take home. May 13-May 17th EARLY BIRD REMINDER! We'll be celebrating Wisconsin Museums Week with free admission, discounts, and more!
|
New at Old World Wisconsin
Subsidies Available for Field Trips to Old World Wisconsin!
In keeping with the educational mission of the museum, it is our goal to make Old World Wisconsin available to as many school children as possible. Thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors, we can offer financial subsidies to qualifying schools.
Any non-profit educational institution that instructs children from kindergarten through grade 12 may apply for the subsidy. The application must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the field trip date. Funds may not be used to reimburse schools for field trips that have already been taken, but you may make your field trip reservation before applying for the subsidy. You can look up registration information at our website.
Qualifying schools will receive an award letter redeemable for a reduced or free admission for each student, to be credited to your account upon arrival at Old World Wisconsin. Subsidy approval amounts are for student admission only. Chaperone fees will be due upon arrival to Old World Wisconsin. The amount of award will vary, based on subsidy monies available and the financial need of the applicant school. If you are interested in applying, please contact Ann Selkie, School Tour Coordinator, for more information.
We hope to see you visit this spring at Old World Wisconsin.
|
|
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Go spring go!
Sincerely,
Kurt Griesemer
Director of Education Services
Wisconsin Historical Society |
|
|
