Civic Engagement

Mark America’s 250th anniversary with short videos, lesson plans and activities that explore the people, ideas and events that shaped the nation’s founding.

Founding History

As the United States reflects on its 250th anniversary, this Retro Report series revisits the Revolutionary era and the creation of the Constitution through the eyes of historians, primary source documents and the words of people who lived through it. 

These short films explore how protest movements became revolutions, how rivalries in Europe shaped the colonists’ fight for independence, and how Enlightenment ideas influenced the framers of the Constitution.

When Is History Happening? From the Boston Tea Party to the Battlefield
Has Lesson Plan

When Is History Happening? From the Boston Tea Party to the Battlefield

5 min.
2 class materials
Historians explore how protest, uncertainty and resistance led to the Revolutionary War.
How the World Came to Fight in America’s Revolution
Has Lesson Plan

How the World Came to Fight in America’s Revolution

5 min.
2 class materials
Foreign powers shaped the Revolution, turning a colonial revolt into a global conflict.
An Enlightened Idea: The Constitution Drew on Centuries-Old Principles
Has Lesson Plan

An Enlightened Idea: The Constitution Drew on Centuries-Old Principles

5 min.
2 class materials
The framers drew on Enlightenment thought and experience to design a new government.

Campaigning for the Presidency in 19th-Century America

In this five-part series, Retro Report revisits presidential campaigns from the 19th century to explore how Americans debated leadership, democracy and political power. The videos examine the roots of campaign tactics, political messaging and voter engagement that continue to shape elections today. Each film is accompanied by a lesson plan and classroom activity.

Mud-Slinging and Deadly Duels: How Negative Campaigning Evolved
Has Lesson Plan

Mud-Slinging and Deadly Duels: How Negative Campaigning Evolved

6 min.
2 class materials
Explore the history and impact of negative campaigning in U.S. presidential elections.
Picking a Partner: The V.P. Relationship
Has Lesson Plan

Picking a Partner: The V.P. Relationship

6 min.
2 class materials
The relationship between presidents and vice presidents is unique and often personal. Sometimes, internal divisions spill out into public life.
Charm Offensive: Why Politicians Reach for ‘Relatable’
Has Lesson Plan

Charm Offensive: Why Politicians Reach for ‘Relatable’

2 class materials
For American politicians, the obsession with appealing to the everyman dates back to the raucous campaign of 1840.
The Culture Question: How Hot-Button Issues Divide Us
Has Lesson Plan

The Culture Question: How Hot-Button Issues Divide Us

6 min.
2 class materials
Culture wars have a long and divisive history in American politics, with gender, race and religion continuing to inflame public opinion.
Campaign Missteps: Gaffes on the Trail
Has Lesson Plan

Campaign Missteps: Gaffes on the Trail

6 min.
2 class materials
Political gaffes have shaped elections from the Gilded Age to today.

Engaging with Revolutionary History Teacher Fellows

Through this initiative, Retro Report supports history and civics educators nationwide with sustained, high-quality professional development focused on the events, ideas, and consequences of the American founding. The three-year program brings together 50 fellows and teacher leaders for monthly virtual seminars led by scholars and museum educators, as well as annual in-person summer workshops. Working collaboratively, fellows develop classroom resources that connect the founding era to enduring questions and contemporary civic life.

Meet the Fellows