United States Capitol Historical Society

Teacher Workshops

Our workshops offer professional development opportunities specifically designed to enrich educators’ knowledge of American history and civics, helping them enhance their teaching skills. Additionally, teachers can access free classroom resources, including lesson plans, primary sources, and video content, all aimed at enhancing civics education in your classroom. Visit the We the People Hub to learn more!

Teacher Institutes: Enhancing Civic Education Through Immersive Workshops

Join us for our Teacher Institutes, where educators can deepen their understanding of American history and civics through engaging workshops and hands-on activities. Our Institutes are designed to provide teachers with valuable resources and strategies to enhance their teaching and inspire their students.

Recent Institutes

Capitol Civics: Teaching Informed Patriotism

  • Date: June 2025
  • Location: The University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida
  • Description: The Society officially launched its Capitol Civics program with a workshop for teachers drawn from around the country. Capitol Civics aims to educate all Americans on Article I of the Constitution. This program teaches the purpose and role of Congress in American government using historic examples from the people’s branch. The 28 participants were able to workshop primary source lesson plans, discuss pedagogical approaches, and discover unique historical resources they could bring back to their classrooms. 100% of participants said they would recommend a U.S. Capitol Historical Society teacher workshop to their colleagues.
  • Program Partners: The Bob Graham Center for Public Service, The Hamilton School for Classical & Civic Education, and The Lou Frey Institute
  • Supporting Entities: This workshop was made possible through a Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Grant from the Library of Congress.

 

The Legacy of Senator Dirksen: Bipartisanship and the 1964 Civil Rights Act

  • Date: September 2024
  • Location: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois
  • Description: Explore Senator Dirksen’s pivotal role in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the impact of bipartisanship on historic U.S. legislation. Marking the 60th anniversary of this landmark legislation, this workshop offers a Senate-specific teaching opportunity.
  • Program Partners: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), the Dirksen Center for Congressional Studies, the National Park Service, the U.S. Census Bureau Statistics in Schools Program, America250, and semiquincentennial state chapters.
  • Supporting Entities: This workshop was made possible by community project funding administered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives and Records Administration.

 

Teaching the Electoral College: Insights from the 1876 Election

  • Date: February 2024
  • Location: The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, Ohio
  • Description: This Institute explored the history and importance of the Electoral College, with a focus on the 1876 election that led to the selection of President Rutherford B. Hayes. The Institute featured a reading of the newest Teaching the Constitution through Theater series play by Jean Bordewich, providing insights into the deliberations of the 1876 election. Click here to learn more!
  • Program Partners: The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and StoryWorks Theater.
  • Supporting Entities: This workshop was made possible by community project funding administered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives and Records Administration.

Three Branches Institute

The Three Branches Institute is a collaborative effort by several historical organizations to provide history, government, and civics-focused professional development for teachers. Hosted by the White House Historical Association, United States Capitol Historical Society, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration, this institute examines the people, events, and processes that shape the three branches of government in the United States. 

SUMMER 2024 SELF-PACED VIRTUAL PROGRAM

This year, the Three Branches Institute will be conducted asynchronously, and partners hope to target several dates across Summer 2024 for potential live virtual programming.

Please register online to access the virtual, asynchronous professional development program, the Three Branches Institute Self-Paced Program, a collaborative effort between the United States Capitol Historical Society, White House Historical Association,  Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration. Access to the asynchronous program materials will be made available on Friday, July 15, and remain open through September 15 for participants wishing to receive a certificate or letter of professional development hours.

Three Branches Partner Resource Video 2024

This short video will walk you through the free educational resources available from the White House Historical Association, United States Capitol Historical Society, Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration.

Connect With Us!

Phone: 202-543-8919 ext. 22

Email: edenyer@uschs.org

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Non-Partisan. Non-Profit. Capitol History.

Invest in Your History Today

This Giving Tuesday, Give the Gift of Civic Knowledge!

When you donate to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, your support
  • “We the People” Constitution Tour field trips for D.C. Title I School students,
  • Public history programming including webinars, lectures, and our annual symposium,
  • and teacher resources that can be found on our We the People Hub

When you donate today, your gift doubles!

Thanks to a generous community member, every dollar donated today will be matched up to

$15,000

Donate today to help us foster and increase an informed patriotism!

Want to Support Civic Education?

We believe that every student deserves an education about our nation’s history, that inspires them to be the best citizens they can be, no matter their background. Our “We the People” Constitution Tours™ provide immersive educational experiences for eighth-grade students from D.C. Title I schools, ensuring that students from historically underserved communities can explore the foundations of our democracy firsthand. During the program, students visit important sites related to the Constitution including the George Mason Memorial, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol Building, and The People’s House: A White House Experience. As the cost of providing these tours continues to rise, your donation will help cover essential expenses, including transportation, lunches, knowledgeable tour guides, and educational materials.

  • A $111 donation covers all expenses for one student, covering all costs associated with the tour.
  •  
  • $325 provides lunches for 25 students during their trip, ensuring they stay energized and engaged.
  •  
  • A donation of $3,880 will sponsor an entire trip for one class.

“We the People,” speaks to the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the United States of America. For Jim and me, it has been of the greatest importance that all citizens have an understanding of the democratic process and rule of law in order to be active participants in the form of self-governance laid out by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe that my support in Jim’s name of the “We the People” tours is essential for the future of our country.

– Mrs. Penny Morrill on why she supports the “We the People” Constitution Tours

Support Civic Education in 2025

Join us in our mission to educate, inspire, and encourage informed civic participation. By becoming an annual member, your support funds vital programs such as the ‘We the People’ Constitution Tour for DC students, free resources and lesson plans for teachers, and our series engaging virtual and in-person public history events. Together, we will preserve Congress’s history and empower citizens to influence the future of our democracy.

Join Today!

Help preserve and share the history of democracy with a year-end donation! Join as a member today and enjoy unique benefits—all while contributing to our mission of preserving history and promoting civic education.

Donations received by midnight tonight or checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2024, will be applied to the 2024 tax year.