March 2009
America is to be known more intimately now with an initiative by the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) named ‘Picturing America.’
Knowing how people learn faster and better visually, this website at PicturingAmerica.neh.gov brings anyone interested in American history closer through a series of pictures and art. But especially, it is a new resource being introduced to 56,000 K-12 schools and libraries across America that tells of the country’s story.
Pictures like [George] Washington Crossing the Delaware allow students to enter into the great stories of American history. Seeing Washington lead a boat of patriots into battle for liberty inspires students to develop their own insights into important themes like freedom, leadership and democracy.
Art can inspire otherwise disengaged students.
"I used the images in a lesson with fifth graders, where we looked at Bingham's The County Election and Karales' Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights in 1965," said Cheryl Wolf, a librarian at William McKinley School in New York City.
"Some students, who don't ordinarily participate, were clearly drawn into the discussion by the visual element."
Proficient students think in new ways, developing cognitive, social and personal skills, when looking at art.
"Through Picturing America, my students are forging a relationship with the history of United States, and are engaged in deep, creative thinking about the identity of our country," said Sara Paulson, a Library Media Specialist at Manhattan's PS 347, the American Sign Language and English School.
"Children, many of whom are not even American citizens, are connecting to some of the landmark events of American history through these images in our school."
In addition to students at these libraries and K-12 schools, pre-elementary school students from economically disadvantaged families will also benefit from this program. All 20,000 Head Start centers across America are using Picturing America resources to promote early childhood and family learning.
Picturing America's images and resource book are available for everyone online at www.PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.
Want to see what 24 hours of creative awesomeness look like? Click here.
This news message is supported by The Creative Finder, an online platform for photographers, illustrators, designers, and art directors to promote their portfolios towards new clients and collaborators. Creatives who wish to sign up for an account can save 10% off annual fees with promo code 'designtaxi'.
