Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 North Sixth Street
Springfield, IL 62701
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) is thrilled to host an immersive civic education workshop for American history and social studies teachers, nominated by Members of Congress and America 250 state chapters. This workshop traces the arc of opportunity in American history, from Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War Amendments to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, championed by Senator Everett Dirksen and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson.
We are proud to showcase the rich historical resources of the Dirksen Congressional Center and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), offering participants engaging content that brings history to life. This workshop is a unique chance for educators to deepen their understanding of civil rights history and enhance their classroom resources.
Participants will enjoy interactive presentations, exclusive access to the ALPLM Upper Vault tour, networking opportunities, and a welcome reception celebrating civic educators. This workshop is an invaluable opportunity to explore the legacy of civil rights in the U.S. and gain practical tools for teaching this essential history.
Free USCHS Civics Resources – CLICK HERE
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) offers a wide range of free, high-quality educational materials designed to help teachers connect students to the story of our nation’s democracy. Access a growing collection of materials, from primary documents to teaching guides, that make U.S. history relevant and accessible.
CONTACT
Janna Deitz, PhD
Senior Advisor and Director, Capitol Civics
United States Capitol Historical Society
jdeitz@uschs.org | (202) 543-8919 ext. 20
PROGRAM AGENDA
Friday, September 27 – Workshop and Training: Using Primary Resources to Teach Civil Rights History
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Location: First Floor Library
8:30 – 8:45 AM
Workshop Overview: USCHS Capitol Civics Program
Location: Multipurpose Room
8:45 – 9:00 AM
Teacher Introductions
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act
Lesson Plan / Activity by USCHS
10:00 – 11:30 AM
Primary Resources Presentation
Presented by Dirksen Congressional Center
11:30 – 11:45 AM
Group Photo
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch
Location: Multipurpose Room
12:30 – 12:45 PM
USCHS Teacher Resource Hub Presentation
12:45 – 1:00 PM
1908 Race Riots Site Overview
Speaker: National Park Service Superintendent, Chris Collins
Congressional Office Recognition
1:00 – 2:00 PM
1908 Springfield Race Riots Lecture
Speaker: Dr. Brian Mitchell, ALPLM
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Upper Vault Tour & 13th Amendment Primary Resources
Tour led by ALPLM
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Program Conclusion & Sendoff
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Optional Library Tour
Led by ALPLM Conservationists
