Civics is defined by Merriam-Webster as the “social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens.” Civics is closely related to history, as citizens in North America have debated, expanded, and engaged with their rights, duties, and even citizenship, over time. Today, history can inform the practice of civics, whether through educating people about our democracy, providing a place to cast a ballot, participating in the 250th anniversary of the United States, and more. These resources from AASLH and other organizations can help you create civics-related exhibitions and programs.

AASLH Resources

US 250th: AASLH has resources to help you participate in the Semiquincentennial–the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Museums as Polling Sites: Technical Leaflet 292 is a brief, practical guide that shows you how your organization can serve voters.

The AASLH Civic Education and Engagement Resource Kit includes AASLH conference sessions, History News articles, a Technical Leaflet, book recommendations, guides, award winners, and 250th anniversary materials, as well as outside organizations and readings.

Other Resources

Bill of Rights Institute: This organization provides professional development that covers topics including history, government, and civics curriculum and cover content and pedagogy.

Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE): The Center’s Guardians of Democracy Program is an online professional development program with extended learning opportunities for interested 6-12 educators.

Civic Engagement in Our Democracy Institute: This three-day institute introduces educators to the Democratic Knowledge Project’s year-long 8th grade civics curriculum, Civic Engagement in Our Democracy.

Civic Language Perceptions Project 2024: This report from Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement emphasizes how institutions can “talk bridgey”—using language that resonates broadly across audiences, creating forums where people with diverse perspectives and political views can connect with one another.

Civic Learning Institute: Offers insights and strategies to strengthen civic and history learning.

Civic Learning Week takes place each month and is an opportunity for museums and historic sites to highlight their civics programs for K-12 students. iCivics, which organizes this event, offers a Civic Learning Week Toolkit with draft letters that can be sent to school administrators, newspaper editors, and social media posts to publicize your programs. In addition, iCivics has an Organization Toolkit, with resources to help you participate, and suggestions for activities.

Civic Season takes place each year between Juneteenth and July 4 to highlight public participation in civics. It is organized by Made By Us, which engages younger generations in history and civics. History organizations are encouraged to register to participate in Civic Season.

Educating for American Democracy provides guidance and an inquiry framework that history organizations can use to transform teaching of history and civics to meet the needs of a diverse 21st century K–12 student body.

Good American Citizenship Working Group: This initiative from the Hoover Institution seeks to address the country’s dual crises of civic ignorance and irresponsible citizenship via research, communication, and advocacy, building toward the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture: This report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences provides an overview of what civic culture is, why it matters, and resources to fortify civic culture.

Monticello Teacher Institute: The Thomas Jefferson Foundation provides social studies teachers the opportunity to research and study at Monticello and the Jefferson Library in Charlottesville, Virginia.

More in Common’s mission is to understand the forces driving us apart, to find common ground, and help to bring people together to tackle our shared challenges. They engage in research to test and find solutions that history organizations can use.

The photo above is courtesy the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.