Investigating the Civil Rights Movement: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (In-Person)

Students consider the question, "How do people bring about change in the government and in their communities?" They investigate photographs, video, oral history, and documents to discover the story behind the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and President Kennedy's role in it. After visiting museum exhibits related to the civil rights movement, students reenact the demonstration, drawing on the hopes, dreams, and inspiring words from this historic event.

About this Resource

Grade Level
4
5
Time Required
2-3 hours
Curricular Resource Type
Guided Programs
Curricular Resource Subject Area
Civics and US Government
US History
Curricular Resource Topic
Civic Education and Engagement
Civil Rights
Persuasive Writing and Speaking
Curricular Standards
Common Core
C3 Framework for Social Studies
National History Standards (UCLA)
National Council of Teachers of English
Massachusetts Framework - English Language Arts
Massachusetts Framework - History and Social Science

Students consider the question, "How do people bring about change in the government and in their communities?" They investigate photographs, video, oral history, and documents to discover the story behind the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and President Kennedy's role in it. After visiting museum exhibits related to the civil rights movement, students reenact the demonstration, drawing on the hopes, dreams, and inspiring words from this historic event.

Allow 2 1/2 hours. Between 20-50 students can be accommodated per program. To make a reservation or for further information, email esther.kohn@nara.gov.


On weekday mornings during the school year, the Library's Department of Education and Public Programs offers a variety of structured programs for elementary, middle and high school classes visiting the museum. These programs are 2.5 to 3 hours long, and are limited to 50 students per program. Teachers of grades 6-12 may also elect to bring their group for a self-guided museum visit.

Our museum programs for grades 3-8 extend and enrich classroom studies in American history, Civics, and English Language Arts.

All museum visits by school groups must be scheduled in advance. To schedule a self-guided visit, please call the Group Tour Coordinator at 617.514.1589. For further information on guided programs, contact the education staff at the email addresses indicated in the program descriptions.