Reconstruction was a key turning point in U.S. history ---- a period of democratic promise like no other. But a promise foreclosed by the terrorism of the defeated white elites seeking to hold on to "their" South. Reconstruction was an extraordinary experiment in grassroots multiracial democracy with land reform, public schools, expanded voting rights, and greater equality. 

We offer free lessons, a student project, and book recommendations to bring Reconstruction history to the classroom

If you have used either of the lessons below, we will send
you a free book for your story.
Reconstruction Lessons

Reconstructing the South:
A Role Play

This role play engages students in thinking about what freedpeople needed in order to achieve ---- and sustain ---- real freedom following the Civil War. It's followed by a chapter from the book  Freedom's Unfinished Revolution on what would happen to the land in the South after slavery ended.




When the Impossible Suddenly Became Possible: A Reconstruction Mixer

A role play that explores the connections between different social movements during Reconstruction.


"I can't believe I never learned about this."
It's empowering to know that my people WERE working for change, even back then, even with all the bad things that had happened to them. It makes me think we're stronger than we're given credit for.
----  J. A., high school student

I used the  Reconstructing the South lesson in our inaugural African American U.S. History class. Many students had heard of slavery, but not the Reconstruction era. Having them tell the story and negotiate rights during the role play was the beginning of changing their interpretation of Black history from a deficit mindset to one of advocacy!
----   Molly MacGregor, high school social
studies teacher, Portland, Oregon
Tell Us Your Classroom Story:
Get a Free Book


We want to hear about your use of the lesson and the impact in the classrooom of  Reconstructing the South: A Role Play  by Bill Bigelow and/or When the Impossible Suddenly Became Possible: A Reconstruction Mixer  by Adam Sanchez and Nqobile Mthethwa. 

In appreciation for your time, we will send you a free copy of 
A Short History of Reconstruction by Eric Foner or Lies My Teacher Told Me
by James W. Loewen.


Student Community History Project

The Make Reconstruction History Visible project gives students and teachers the opportunity to identify and advocate for recognition of Reconstruction history in their community. This helps students learn about this vital era in U.S. history while also playing an active role in giving visibility to an era that has been hidden or misrepresented for too long.

An ideal project for service or expeditionary learning. 

Learn more
 
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PO BOX 73038, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20056 
202-588-7205 | zinnedproject.org

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