Connecting History and Today

We believe the bigotry and hate that we witness today are the legacy of brutal injustices of the past. We help teachers and students face our collective histories and understand how they inform attitudes and behaviors in today's world.

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History is Not Inevitable

Facing History students examine pivotal moments in history and learn how the choices made in the past have shaped our present. Our students come to understand that history is not inevitable: people make choices and choices make history.

The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.

— James Baldwin

Current Events in Your Classroom

We provide the tools and resources for teachers and their students to place current events in a historical context. This approach helps students make sense of the world around them and become informed and active participants in a democracy.

Learn more about how current events discussions help students learn. Or, dive into our collection of current events classroom resources.

"If a society, if a state, doesn’t acknowledge its wrongdoing in the past, this means there is a potential there, always, that it can do it again."

Taner Akçam, Historian

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Taner Akçam: Why is the Armenian Genocide Important?

Make a 100% tax-deductible donation today and you'll help us reach even more teachers and students around the world, giving them the tools to fight back against hatred and bigotry.

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Insight

by Facing History Staff

Dec 2, 2022

Participating in our All Community Read? This list of recommended resources can support you and your school if you would like to join us on our disability rights learning journey.

Photo of Judy Heumann with her two books

Insight

by Kaitlin Smith

Dec 1, 2022

In this interview with educator Frank Stebbins, we discuss resources and strategies for teaching difficult lessons around the Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Picture of Frank Stebbins Receiving an Educator Award.

Impact Story

by Eran DeSilva

Aug 31, 2022

Veteran Facing History educator Eran DeSilva shares her story and talks about how Facing History transformed her teaching practice and sparks community and change.

A Facing History educator sits at a table speaking with their hand on their chin.

Featured Resource

by Kaitlin Smith

Dec 8, 2022

The visionary project at the heart of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is ripe for revisiting, reflection, and engagement. Educators can use these resources to bring the history and contemporary relevance of the UDHR into their classrooms.

Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, and others at the opening of Midway Hall, one of two residence halls built by the Public Buildings Administration of Federal Works Agency (FWA) for Negro government girls.

In the News

by Facing History & Ourselves

Aug 29, 2022

Roger Brooks has announced his plan to retire after a highly successful tenure at Facing History. We celebrate all he has accomplished with gratitude and launch our search for his successor.

Rogers Brooks and students in a classroom discussion.

In the News

by Facing History & Ourselves

Sep 1, 2022

Welcome! We've created a list to help you explore the best of what we have to offer. It covers topics including educator competencies, classroom resources, inspiring stories, and more.

In the News

by Abby R. Weiss

Aug 31, 2022

Entering a new school year, full of possibility.

In the News

by Facing History & Ourselves

Sep 1, 2022

Get to know the redesigned FacingHistory.org. Building community has never been easier.

A student with long dark hair wearing a hoodie smiles at their desk.

Insight

by Dr. Steven Becton

Jul 12, 2016

In this article, our Chief Officer for Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Steven Becton suggests 5 key practices for bringing the “Beloved Community” into the classroom.

Demonstrators peacefully protest in front of police officers during a Black Lives Matter protest. One protester takes a knee in front of the officers.

Insight

by Facing History & Ourselves Staff

Jan 10, 2023

Join an upcoming community event and utilize our multi-part lesson plans to jump into the study of identity and belonging.

Image displaying the statement who are you

Impact Story

by Kaitlin Smith

Jan 10, 2023

Dr. Anna Ornstein discusses relational skills essential in times of crisis, the capacity of young people to drive change, and the enduring power of survivor testimony.

Research & Reports

by Kaitlin Smith

Jan 13, 2023

Start integrating Social-Emotional Learning in the classroom with this high-level look at what SEL is, along with some helpful intro tools.

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Connecting History and Today

History is Not Inevitable

Current Events in Your Classroom

Donate now and together we'll build a better world

You might also be interested in…

All Community Read: A Spotlight on Disability Rights

Acclaimed Educator Frank Stebbins on Facing History and Human Rights Education

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Roger Brooks to Retire as CEO of Facing History - Our Search for a Successor

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A Back to School Message for our Educators

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Bringing the “Beloved Community” Into The Classroom

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Honoring Survivor Testimony on Yom HaShoah: An Interview with Dr. Anna Ornstein

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Connecting History and Today

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Explore Democracy & Freedom in US History and Today

Current Events in Your Classroom

Attend an Event

Donate now and together we'll build a better world

You might also be interested in…

All Community Read: A Spotlight on Disability Rights

Acclaimed Educator Frank Stebbins on Facing History and Human Rights Education

How Facing History Helps Change the World

Teaching the History of Human Rights

Roger Brooks to Retire as CEO of Facing History - Our Search for a Successor

Introducing Ideas This Week

A Back to School Message for our Educators

Welcome to Our New Website

Bringing the “Beloved Community” Into The Classroom

Begin 2023 by Exploring Identity and Belonging with Facing History

Honoring Survivor Testimony on Yom HaShoah: An Interview with Dr. Anna Ornstein

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Inspiration, insights, & ways to get involved