To the Teachers of all students in North Carolina:

This website is offered as a resource to support the crucial work you do with students every day.

The history of NC and the United States cannot possibly be understood without a solid understanding of how the Civil War and Reconstruction era played out. While some aspects of the war and its aftermath receive significant attention, it is unfortunate that other aspects of arguably equal or greater importance often receive little or none. For instance, years ago a dear friend and colleague told me he loved to teach the Civil War–battles, leaders’ personalities, music, etc.–but he avoided saying much about Reconstruction, since his students found “all that political stuff” boring.

We have a responsibility to our students, and ultimately to all the people of NC, to teach the truth about the history of this era. We cannot address intelligently the problems of our own time without understanding how we got here. The revolutions, divisions, pain, and promises of this era are surely reflected in modern battles over issues as varied as voting rights, educational opportunity, the administration of criminal justice, and contested memories.

Please use this site and the materials contained here as you help your students reflect on our past in all its complexity. In doing so, you will prepare them to play constructive, informed roles in our current and future conversations. NC will move into the future one way or another. We prefer that it do so honestly, and with respect for all of its people.

Get Involved

We invite you to share your creative and effective lesson plans. We believe that your insights could not only benefit your own classroom but also serve as valuable resources for educators across the state.

Please submit your files in a Word document rather than a PDF format.

By the summer of 2026, additional content will be available for you to explore and engage with.