Closer Readings

45 Result(s)
Emanuel Leutze’s Symbolic Scene of Washington Crossing the Delaware

We know General George Washington crossed the Delaware River to attack Britain’s Hessian army at Trenton on Christmas night in 1776. At the mention of this event, most Americans imagine a heroic Washington standing in a small boat. But, did this happen? How has the art of Emanuel Leutze influenced the telling of history? 

The Mexican Revolution: November 20th, 1910

The Mexican Revolution, which began on November 20, 1910, and continued for a decade, is recognized as the first major political, social, and cultural revolution of the 20th century. In order to better understand this decade-long civil war, we offer an overview of the main players on the competing sides, primary source materials for point of view analysis, discussion of how the arts reflected the era, and links to Chronicling America, a free digital database of historic newspapers, that covers this period in great detail. 

The Gift of Holiday Traditions: Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas

Each year, December brings a month filled with holidays, celebrations complete with a variety of gift giving traditions, and school vacations. Before departing to enjoy the break from school, take the opportunity to discuss with students ritual gift giving in their own families and across cultural holiday traditions.