Signs and Symbols of the American Revolution Teacher Workshop

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. By analyzing artifacts and primary sources, students can learn to identify signs and symbols in order to understand America in the mid- to late-18th century. This type of analysis also gives students the opportunity to practice close looking skills, make inferences, substantiate arguments, and evaluate perspectives.

In this free professional development workshop, 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encounter specific examples of 18th-century imagery and consider how signs and symbols can be used both as a pathway to historical content and a bridge to the contemporary era.