Fraunces Tavern Museum’s Educational Resources are designed to support educators in their efforts to inspire future generations
Explore the following lessons and activities that will bring the American Revolution to life for your students!
These resources are designed in line with the New York State Standards for 4th grade Social Studies.
They can easily be adapted for use with grades 3-5.
Lessons
Pieces of the Past
How do historians learn about the past? In this lesson, students will explore how objects can tell us about the lives of the people who lived in the past. Using videos and photographs of replica objects, students will practice their observational skills to describe objects and make inferences about what they reveal about life in the 18th century. This resource includes a lesson plan, videos, and photographs, as well as an optional worksheet.
This lesson includes captioned videos. Click here to download the full transcript of these videos.
Download the lesson plan: Google Docs / PDF
Download the activity: Google Slides
Download the worksheet: Google Docs / PDF
Choosing Sides: The Role of Native Americans in the American Revolution
Members of different Native American Nations participated in the American Revolution in different ways, from fighting in battles, sharing much-needed supplies, spying, and beyond—on both sides of the war. This lesson highlights the important roles played by Native Americans during the American Revolution.
Download the lesson plan: Google Docs / PDF
Download the activity: Google Slides / PDF
Fear and Force: New York City’s Sons of Liberty*
As colonists prepared for what would become the American Revolution, there was an organized group who opposed the government through violent resistance. From tea parties to tearing down statues, this lesson introduces students to the New York City chapter of the Sons of Liberty, as they actively worked to resist British rule in the 13 colonies.
Download the lesson plan: Google Docs / PDF
Download the activity: Google Slides / PDF
*This lesson is based on a past Museum exhibition.
Patriot vs. Loyalist
What did it mean to be a Patriot or a Loyalist during the American Revolution? Why did some people living in the 13 colonies choose to stay loyal to Great Britain, while other risked their lives to rebel? This lesson explores the different sides of the Revolutionary War, and asks students to think like a colonist- and choose a side!
Download the lesson plan: Google Docs / PDF
Download the activity: Google Slides / PDF
Fighting for Freedom
This lesson highlights the incredible achievements and contributions of Black men and women during the Revolutionary War. From battles to espionage, and even escape, this resource emphasizes that both enslaved and free Blacks were present, active, and of critical importance in the American Revolution.
Download the activity: Google Slides / PDF
The Role of Taverns
This lesson explores the role that taverns, in particular Fraunces Tavern, played in the lives of colonial Americans. From places to relax and have a meal, to centers of business and political debate, taverns served a crucial role in the development of the American Revolution.
This lesson includes captioned videos. Click here to download a full transcript of these videos.
Download the activity: Google Slides / PDF
Activities
Remembering Washington's Farewell
Explore the memoir of Benjamin Tallmadge! Read a first-hand account of George Washington's farewell to his officers and write your own memoir.
Download the activity: PDF / Word Document
Word Search
Try your hand at a word search! Uncover the hidden words associated with Fraunces Tavern Museum and the American Revolution.
Download the activity: PDF / Word Document
Inventorying The Past
Become a historian! Use an 18th century inventory to recreate Samuel Fraunces' tavern, and create a record of your own home for historians to discover in the future!
Download the activity: PDF / Word Document
Crossword Puzzle
Test your revolutionary knowledge with this crossword! Answer clues related to Revolutionary War and Fraunces Tavern.
Download the activity: PDF / Word Document
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
