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Personalities of the West

Overview

This project is designed to have you investigate the history of an individual who participated in the growth and change of the the United States in a significant way while demonstrating your understanding of how primary sources impact historical studies.

Task

You will select one of the historical figures listed below (or come to me with the name of an individual you want to study). You will be responsible for conducting research on the individual and making notes of their early life and providing details about their role in the expansion of the United States.  After completing this research, you will create a series of primary source documents that detail different aspects of their lives.

Steps

1. Choose a person.

2. Conduct research about the person.

3. Create a series of primary source documents from this person’s life.  Primary Sources are those that provide first-hand accounts of the events, practices, or conditions you are researching. In general, these are documents that were created by the witnesses or first recorders of these events at about the time they occurred, and include diaries, letters, reports, photographs, creative works, financial records, memos, and newspaper articles (to name just a few types).  Your documents must be from the following categories:

  • Personal Records– Sometimes people leave a personal record of events in which they have taken part or that they have witnessed.  Must produce both.
    1. Diary Entry- three days of entries that focus on the most significant event during the person’s life.
    2. Letter of Congratulations- a letter received by the individual from a prominent person congratulating your subject for a significant achievement.
  • Vital Records- those records that are absolutely essential for an organization to continue functioning. Choose Two.

1. Birth Certificate

2. Death Certificate

3. Marriage invitation or Diploma

  • Mass Media– written at the time of a significant event during the person’s life. Must Complete.
  1. Newspaper article- written at the time of their death reflecting on the significance of their life.
  • Ephemera– things that are printed for a specific occasion or purpose and aren’t meant to last after their original use. Choose One.
  1. Theater programs
  2. Posters for events
  3. Ticket stubs
  4. Political leaflets
  5. Wanted Poster
  6. Job application

4. The following rubric will be used to evaluate your primary source documents.

5. This link takes you to the record form that was put in your notebook.  It has the corrected due dates.

By pomeara 11:01 am