Mission:
To provide free, standards-based, innovative resources for teaching and learning American history.

Background:
Developed by the National Museum of American History in partnership with the Verizon Foundation's Thinkfinity consortium, the Smithsonian's History Explorer site features learning activities that draw on the expertise of the museum's curatorial staff. Designed for use by K-12 teachers and students, afterschool-program providers, families, and anyone interested in learning more about American history, the site offers dozens of artifacts culled from the museum's extensive collection.

Outstanding Web Features:
The History Explorer is designed to help teachers provide historical instruction through "reading" objects — sharing artifacts exhibited in the National Museum of American History and the stories they tell about our nation and its history. Visitors to the site can explore a variety of lessons and activities, objects, and media clips; search content by grade level, keyword, and historical era; and subscribe to an RSS feed. Students can sharpen their critical thinking skills by taking virtual behind-the-scenes field trips to learn how exhibitions are produced, explore topics such as Native American buffalo hide painting, or play online games.