With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence fast approaching, there are already plenty of activities and ways to commemorate the historic milestone.
But the high-quality resources available for young learners may feel few and far between. That’s why Rob Waldron compiled a guide of books, shows and games that parents and educators can use to help students and children learn about the country’s founding.
“We’re having a lot of debates in our society about America and the way it should be,” Waldron told GBH News. “And I think going back to the history can teach us who we were supposed to be and who we were intended to be.”
Waldron is the former CEO of the educational materials publisher Curriculum Associates and is the chair of the archival tech startup Historiq.
Here’s a breakdown of Waldron’s guide, which can be found in full here.
Books
Waldron, who is on the board of the Massachusetts Historical Society, reached out to experts and historians to help compile the list of works in his guide.
Some books feature well-known historical subjects, like “George vs George: The American Revolution As Seen From Both Sides,” which gives context to the stories of George Washington and King George III. But others highlight figures like James Lafayette in “A Spy Called James,” which tells the story of a formerly enslaved double-agent for the American cause.
Waldron also highlighted the novel “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson that tackles some of the complexities of the Revolution and its ties to slavery.
He hopes the guide will be a public resource to help young learners better understand the country’s independence.
“Whether one kid reads one more book because of this or a million, I’ll feel like I had an impact,” he said.
Shows & games
Waldron recommends shows like the HBO miniseries “John Adams” (which he says should be for viewers ages 15 and up) and Ken Burns’ new documentary series “The American Revolution.” For younger viewers, there’s programs like PBS’ “Liberty’s Kids.”
He also highlighted games from the nonprofit iCivics that put players in the shoes of characters living through the Revolutionary era.
But no matter what people choose to read, watch or play, Waldron hopes that more people can interact with the major celebrations of independence this upcoming year will bring.
“We’re gonna have fireworks and picnics and all the fun things at the Fourth of July, but for the 250th I think we also need to come back to the original lessons,” he said.
And with the holidays right around the corner, he hopes his guide will come in handy for any parents or grandparents looking for last-minute gifts.
“I just want to make a resource available,” he said. “Like, you might as well celebrate the 250th if you’re getting a book for your kids. I think that matters.”
