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The Civil War to Civil Rights: Reconstruction educator workshop provides a comprehensive look at the transformative period following the American Civil War, with a focus on the evolution of voting rights, education and civil rights.
Participants will explore the challenges of rebuilding the South, the impact of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and the critical role of voting rights in shaping the nation’s future. Through primary sources, interactive activities, and practical teaching strategies, educators will deepen their understanding of how Reconstruction efforts, including the expansion of voting rights, influenced America’s development and continue to resonate today.
Date: July 14 – 17, 2025
Cost: Free.
The seminar will accommodate up to 20 educators in grades 3 through 12. Successful completion of the program certifies 28 hours of professional development.
What to Expect
- Use historical and contemporary examples to develop students’ understanding of Reconstruction’s legacy and the importance of presenting an accurate account of this era.
- Use teaching strategies that help students analyze text, write and think critically, and discuss controversial issues respectfully.
- Multi – Session professional development learning for in-depth exploration of the reconstruction era.
Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET
Applicants will be notified of their status no later than April 9, 2025
Event Schedule
Monday, July 14: Civil War to Reconstruction
After a warm welcome and setting the stage for the week, participants will have their first session with Manisha Sinha author of “The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic.” With a focus on Emancipation and Reconstruction the days activities will focus on answering the question how was the Reconstruction era successful in addressing the injustice and inequality perpetuated by legal slavery and why did it ultimately fail to fulfill its promises?
Tuesday, July 15: Setting Stage for Public Education
Much of the day will be spent exploring Howard University Campus and in the Howard University Archives the Morland Spingarn Research Center exploring primary sources on education in the Reconstruction era. Participants will consider how did the Reconstruction era expand access to public education for African Americans.
Wednesday, July 16:Voting Rights
This day starts off with a visit to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Participants will tour the former home of one of the Antebellum periods most ardent civil and voting rights activist. Participants will consider how the Reconstruction period shaped voting rights for African Americans.
Thursday, July 17: Jim Crow, Civil Rights and Modern Activism
The last day of this summer seminar takes us through the Civil Rights movement. We will start off with a visit to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. Participants will hone in on how did Civil Rights developments of the Reconstruction era lay the foundation for the contemporary Civil Rights Movement and what civil rights look like today in America? Our guest speaker will be Gloria Browne-Marshall author of “The Voting Rights War.”
