Lesson 4: Soldiers & their families: Using the U.S. 1860 Census
- Focusing Questions/Themes:
- How can we learn more about our town's Civil War soldiers?
- What is a census? How is it useful to historians?
- What impact did the Civil War have on life in our community?
- Vermont Standard(s):
- Being a Historian: 6.6c: Collect and use primary resources in building original historical interpretations.
- New Hampshire Standard(s):
- 15.1 Identify, using maps; illustrations; photographs, and documents from different time periods, how land use in their community has changed and discuss the reason for these changes.
- Procedure:
- First, revisit with students the list of Civil War soldiers found in your cemetery. Give particular consideration to those that were, in addition, found on the 19th century map. (Your Quest will end up focusing on the things you know the most about.)
- The 1860 census can be accessed on-line, or via a print copy. Before students use the census on their own, they need to learn basic information about a census: What is it? How do you read it? What information can it provide? Begin by asking them questions, e.g.: What is a census?
- Next, hand out sheets to the student (different pages, corresponding to some of the Veteran's names you are working with).
- Then use the Document Analysis Form to learn how to "see" and learn from this important primary resource. Begin doing this slowly-working together as a group-in order to discuss problems, questions, and open student's eyes.
- Once students have completed this and feel comfortable, they can work individually-or in pairs or small groups-with the census to answer the Our Town questions; and then use the "My Soldier" form as they focus on a particular soldier.
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