Grades 5–7

Educator resources that are geared to grades 5–7

As one of the biggest industrial complexes in the South, Tredegar Iron Works did not operate on paid workers alone. Learn more about how the Civil War impacted the use of slave labor in industry.


See the evolution of the Davis Executive Mansion from its being built to today, as well as the people who lived and worked within its walls.


Examines Virginia’s secession through the eyes of James Thomas Petty, a young Virginian living in Washington D.C. at the time.


Examines the Battle of Gettysburg through the eyes of a Confederate soldier Edward Estes.


Examines Virginia’s secession through the eyes of James Thomas Petty, a young Virginian living in Washington D.C. at the time.


This is a colorized historic photo of a United States Colored Troop Soldier

Examines the role and experiences of the USCTs.


A piece of paper with a cyphered message accompanied by a small glass bottle

Examines the toll the seige of Vicksburg took on civilians


Examine the motives of the U.S.-Dakota War through the writings of a Dakota leader and the citizens of New Ulm, Minnesota.


Historical photo of a unidentified African American Woman from Lynchburg

Explore the history of African American education through the stories of several Virginia educators. How did emancipation affect education? How have people fought for equal access to education in the United States?


Paper wrapped charge with hand-written ink inscription: “Carried onto the field at the battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.”

This lesson includes images of items picked up from the field after the battle of First Manasses/Bull Run. Images include: a cartridge, a homemade uniform jacket, a toothbrush a watch chain, a map, and several pipes. The lesson includes and artifact cataloging chart.


Scan of a diary entry from the Battle of Bull Run

Uses the diaries of two soldiers to examine the experiences of soldiers during this first battle.