Signs and Symbols of the American Revolution

Students encounter signs and symbols hundreds of times a day; visual imagery is constantly used to communicate ideas, create in-groups, and sell products. The same was true in the Revolutionary Era. Through analysis of the images and objects of this time, students can see signs, symbols, and other imagery as a language that can be read to understand mid-to-late 18th century America, while practicing close looking skills, making inferences, substantiating arguments, and evaluating multiple perspectives. In this session, educators will encounter specific examples of 18th century imagery and consider how signs and symbols can be used both as a pathway to historical content and a bridge to the contemporary era.