

At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- History
Grade
9–12- Democracy & Civic Engagement
- Human & Civil Rights
- Racism
Overview
Overview
This collection features primary sources from our resources on the Reconstruction era and its legacies. We have organized them thematically, moving from an exploration of freedom after Emancipation through reflections on memory and legacy. We’ve also included a selection of secondary sources from leading historians of the Reconstruction Era.
These sources, which detail the violent and racist history of Reconstruction, are both rich in educational value and carry great potential for harm. For these reasons, we believe strongly that this material needs to take into account students’ emotional and ethical responses to this history and be sequenced in a responsible way. See the "Preparing to Teach" section below for more information.
Preparing to Teach
A Note to Teachers
Before using these primary resources with students, please review the following information to help guide your preparation process.
Inside This Collection
How are you planning to use this resource?
Tell Us MoreAdditional Resources
Unlimited Access to Learning. More Added Every Month.
Facing History & Ourselves is designed for educators who want to help students explore identity, think critically, grow emotionally, act ethically, and participate in civic life. It’s hard work, so we’ve developed some go-to professional learning opportunities to help you along the way.
Exploring ELA Text Selection with Julia Torres
On-Demand

Working for Justice, Equity and Civic Agency in Our Schools: A Conversation with Clint Smith
On-Demand
Centering Student Voices to Build Community and Agency
On-Demand
