Lesson Plans

Independence Day Celebration in Centre Square
by John Lewis Krimmel

Integrating portraiture into the classroom provides exciting opportunities to connect students with history, biography, and visual art. The portraits found in "1812: A Nation Emerges" have incredibly useful classroom application. 

Below are four lesson plans that can be used in conjunction with this exhibition (either in the classroom or while visiting the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery). All lessons are designed for grades 4–12 in United States history classes.

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Tecumseh: Perceptions and Realities
Lesson (PDF) →

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Future, Present, and Past: Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie
Lesson (PDF) →
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The War of 1812: Create Your Own Textbook Entry
Lesson (PDF) →
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A Closer Look at James and Dolley Madison
Lesson (PDF) →