MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

American Battlefield Trust videos

Locate a place, pause for a detail, and compare a video with evidence.

Teacher preview: warfare videos can include gunfire, violence, death, and slavery. These are modern interpretations; the 360° battle film is a reenactment. Fort Wagner, discussed with the 54th Massachusetts, is in South Carolina.

Hand-colored historical map of Boston and its harbor around 1775, showing the narrow Boston peninsula, surrounding islands, and military works.
Context image: Boston and its harbor around 1775, mapped by Thomas Hyde Page. The city’s shoreline was very different from today. Image credit

Paul Revere’s Ride

What source supports one claim? What does a map help explain?

Watch at American Battlefield Trust ↗
Hand-colored historical map of Boston and its harbor around 1775, showing the narrow Boston peninsula, surrounding islands, and military works.
Context image: Boston and its harbor around 1775, mapped by Thomas Hyde Page. The city’s shoreline was very different from today. Image credit

Revolutionary War animated map

What source supports one claim? What does a map help explain?

Watch at American Battlefield Trust ↗
Start the embedded Boston field tripMore Trust field trips ↗
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