Women

Educator resources that dive into the various experiences of women during the American Civil War.

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?


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

Examines the toll the siege of Vicksburg took on civilians.


Through infographics and newspaper clippings, explore the role that family and kinship ties played in helping enslaved people cope with the condition of slavery, as well as what challenges people faced with finding and rebuilding their families after emancipation.


People studying historical artifacts.

This website uses the published work of Amanda Akin to paint a picture of life for a nurse during the Civil War. The two links represent two interactive units based around Akin’s book, as well as other primary sources.
via Smithsonian National Museum of American History


People studying historical artifacts.

The goal is for students to understand each role through the clothing worn by women, including planned activities surrounding hands-on experience with fabrics of the time.
via Smithsonian National Museum of American History


In the interactive game, students use clues and artifacts to discover the identities of seven mystery figures. Each figure represents a different role within the war.
via Smithsonian National Museum of American History


People studying historical artifacts.

This lesson plan covers the Reconstruction period with three artworks. It also includes a short introduction to different Reconstruction plans from three different political viewpoints.
via Smithsonian National Museum of American Art and Portraiture