Discovering the Past:
Using the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System in the Classroom

This portion of the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System (CWSS) is designed for teachers and learners of all ages. In these pages you will find:

  • A guide to using the system, and a case study following one student's work.

  • Lesson plans for creating a family tree

  • A Civil War Glossary

  • Curriculum materials from Civil War parks

  • A framework for viewing old photographs in a new way (the way historians do)

    • History is peopled with mothers, fathers, sisters, uncles. cousins...every historical figure was in some way connected to a family. Use this guide to help you locate Civil War ancestors and learn about the parts they played in American history.

    Materials are provided to assist you as you create your family history, model the techniques historians use to uncover stories of the past.

    Explore Activities and Education

    A book with a red cover rests partly on top of a tattered, brown, paperbound book entitled "Soldiers Prayer Book."
    These books belonged to
    soldiers who fought at
    Gettysburg. Now they are
    part of the Park's
    museum collection.