Singing for Freedom: Music in the Civil Rights Movement (In-Person)

Students investigate archival film footage, audio recordings and song lyrics to discover the essential role music played in the civil rights movement. They practice several freedom songs and hear first-hand accounts of how singing helped motivate and sustain activists who were fighting for racial equality. While in the exhibit galleries, students sing freedom songs and learn about President Kennedy’s key actions and decisions related to the civil rights struggle.

About this Resource

Grade Level
3
4
5
Time Required
2-3 hours
Curricular Resource Type
Guided Programs
Curricular Resource Subject Area
The Arts
Civics and US Government
English Language Arts
US History
Curricular Resource Topic
Arts & Culture
Civic Education and Engagement
Civil Rights
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 investigate archival film footage, audio recordings and song lyrics to discover the essential role music played in the civil rights movement. They practice several freedom songs and hear first-hand accounts of how singing helped motivate and sustain activists who were fighting for racial equality. While in the exhibit galleries, students sing freedom songs and learn about President Kennedy’s key actions and decisions related to the civil rights struggle.

Allow 2 ½ 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.