Our Family-Friendly exhibit, American Revolution Experience, has a special area just for the kids. We believe it is important to teach our children about the history of the United States of America.
Join us on Saturdays and at our Free Family Day July 1 for Storytime and Crafts with children's book author, Deb Evans, Bella's Tales of History.
History is more than dates and events—it is the story of the people who came before us and the choices that shaped our nation. When parents and children learn together, history becomes more meaningful, creating opportunities for conversation, discovery, and shared memories. By exploring America's heritage as a family, we help the next generation understand where we came from, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today, and become thoughtful stewards of our nation's story.
The American Revolution Experience gave you and your family an engaging overview of America's founding. The following resources can help you continue the experience.
Junior Patriots
Websites
National Archives – DocsTeach
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Thousands of original documents from American history.
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Interactive activities for students.
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Excellent for teaching children how historians use evidence.
National Archives – Learn at Home
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Activities, videos, crafts, and programs for young learners.
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Direct access to America's founding documents and records.
Smithsonian Learning Lab
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Free collections created by museums and educators.
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Covers American history, civics, inventions, culture, and more.
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Strong visual resources for children.
iCivics
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Founded by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
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Games and lessons about government, citizenship, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.
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Particularly good for upper elementary and middle school students.
Colonial Williamsburg Education Resources
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Outstanding resources on colonial America and the Revolutionary era.
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Videos, games, biographies, timelines, and lesson plans.
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One of the best resources for the 18th century.
TeachingHistory.org
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Created with support from the U.S. Department of Education.
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Focuses on historical thinking and evidence-based learning.
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Excellent resource lists and teaching materials.
Museum of the American Revolution
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Engaging student resources, virtual exhibits, and primary sources.
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Strong coverage of the American Revolution from multiple perspectives.
Mount Vernon Digital Classroom
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Resources centered on George Washington and the founding era.
Student-friendly videos and interactive materials.
National Constitution Center
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Nonpartisan constitutional education.
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Excellent lessons on the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and civic principles.
Library of Congress – Teachers & Students
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One of the largest collections of primary sources in the world.
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Photos, maps, letters, newspapers, and historical documents. Great for older elementary and middle school researchers.
YouTube Channels
American Battlefield Trust YouTube Channel
Best for: American Revolution and Civil War
Colonial Williamsburg YouTube Channel
Best for: Everyday life in the 18th century
Mount Vernon YouTube Channel
Best for: George Washington and the Founding Era
History with Cy
Best for: Kids and middle-grade learners
Liberty's Kids
Best for: Elementary and middle school students
Recommended Book List
Discover America's Story Through Books
Historical fiction helps young readers step into the past by experiencing history through the eyes of fictional characters. While these stories are not biographies or history textbooks, they can inspire curiosity and encourage further learning about real events and people.
Picture Books (Pre-K–Grade 2)
Ox-Cart Man
A New England family's year-long cycle of work in colonial America.
The 4th of July Story
A classic introduction to the Declaration of Independence.
George vs. George
A lively picture-book comparison of George Washington and King George III.
If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution
Answers children's questions about everyday life during the Revolution.
Ben and Me
A humorous classic about Benjamin Franklin told by a mouse.
Early Chapter Books (Grades 2–4)1.
Magic Tree House: Revolutionary War on Wednesday
A favorite introduction to the Revolutionary War.
The Courage of Sarah Noble
A classic frontier story based on a real colonial child.
Meet Felicity
The beloved American Girl story set in Revolutionary Williamsburg.
Phoebe the Spy
Based on the true story of a young girl protecting George Washington.
I Survived the American Revolution, 1776
Fast-paced historical adventure for reluctant readers.
Upper Elementary (Grades 3–6)
Bella's Tales of History: U.S.A.'s Founding Documents
Introduces children to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights through the engaging storytelling of a Golden Retriever named Bella and her three puppies.
Bella's Tales of History: America's Secret Friend
Explores Spain's contributions to the American Revolution through Bella's storytelling.
Bella's Tales of History: Remember the Ladies
Bella shares surprising stories of the vital contributions of women to the American Revolution - including spies, soldiers, and more, with her puppies.
Johnny Tremain
The gold standard of Revolutionary War fiction.
Blood on the River
A gripping story of the Jamestown settlement.
Chains
An award-winning Revolutionary War novel told through the eyes of an enslaved girl.
The Sign of the Beaver
A Newbery Honor classic about frontier life.
Sarah, Plain and Tall
A gentle historical novel set on the prairie.
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
A Newbery Medal winner set in colonial Connecticut.
Forge
A powerful look at the Revolutionary War and Valley Forge.
My Brother Sam Is Dead
Examines divided loyalties during the Revolution.