Classroom Lessons

Classroom lessons focus on segregation and discrimination in the first half of the 20th century.  Click the button below each lesson description to request access to the lessons and the supporting material.  Please allow up to 24 hours for your request to be accepted.

We’re always looking to improve- click here to leave your feedback.

Suburban Housing Discrimination in New Jersey

Grades 7th-12th

Through oral history excerpts and an analysis of a redlining map, students will explore housing discrimination. They will think about how these practices might have had a further effect on the time period and area, and how residual effects of restrictive lending and housing might have influenced today's communities. 

This lesson may be used in context with a study of the 1920s-1940s in US History, but could also be used in a law or government class as an example or prelude to a discussion of the history of federal discriminatory housing practices and cases against discrimination and segregation in general.

Jim Crow Rides the Train North: De Facto Segregation in New Jersey

Part 1: Recreation
Grades 7th-12th

Through oral history excerpts and related articles, students will explore discrimination and segregation in New Jersey, especially in public places such as moving theaters and swimming pools. They will explore origins and types of segregation and responses from the community. They will think about how these practices might have had a further effect on the time period and area, and how residual effects of these practices might have had an effect on today's communities.

The lesson may best be used in context with a study of the 1920s - 1940s in US History, but could also be used in a law class or government class as an example or prelude to a discussion of the history of civil rights issues and cases against discrimination and segregation in general.

Jim Crow Rides the Train North: De Facto Segregation in New Jersey

Part 2: Schools
Grades 7th-12th

Through oral history excerpts and related articles, students explore discrimination and segregation in New Jersey, especially in schools. They will explore origins and types of segregation and responses from parents. They will think about how these practices might have had a further effect on the time period and area and how residual effects of these practices might have influenced today's communities.

This lesson might best be used in context with a study of the 1920s to 1960s in US History, but could also be used in a law or government class as an example or prelude to a discussion about the history of civil rights issues and cases against discrimination and segregation in schools.