Past Forward: America 250 at Cincinnati Museum Center

Welcome to Past Forward at Cincinnati Museum Center, a digital resource for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. History helps us learn from the past and make progress toward a better future. Here at Cincinnati Museum Center, we’ve got resources to help!

The Past Forward digital curriculum can help you commemorate America 250 in your classroom. We’ve divided this curriculum into five thematic units. Each unit includes a video, short podcast episode and blog post that feature items and stories from Cincinnati Museum Center’s collections. We’ve paired each resource with a curriculum guide that includes standards connections, key vocabulary, guiding questions and activities. There are 13 curriculum guides in all, and each one includes suggestions for elementary, middle-school and high-school activities. Two scavenger hunts – for younger and older learners – help you continue your A250 journey at CMC’s Cincinnati History Museum and Museum of Natural History & Science.

Ready to get started? Choose a video, blog or podcast short that connects to your topic or learning goals. Next, give students the key vocabulary and guiding questions from the linked curriculum. Once students have explored the media, lead them through activities of your choice from the curriculum. Now you’re on your way to making history for the next 250 years!

Have feedback on Past Forward? Need more ideas for celebrating the 250th in your classroom? Drop us a note at schoolpartnerships@cincymuseum.org, and we’d love to connect!