Distance Learning
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
The Homestead Act of 1862 provided African Americans with the prospect of land ownership. In Nebraska, Black homesteaders built successful farms from eastern tallgrass prairies to the arid Sandhills in the west and the intentional community of DeWitty, NE. Students will explore how Nebraska’s Black homesteaders persevered.
Program Format:
1. Begins with a ranger introduction to the National Park Service
2. Discuss a time we each exhibited bravery or were "audacious"
3. Learn about the Homestead Act
4. Review Nebraska geography
5. Briefly learn about Reconstruction and its impacts on Black southerners
6. Explore the stories of independent Black homesteaders in Nebraska
7. Learn how Black homesteaders built the community of DeWitty, NE.
8. Hear about DeWitty’s downfall and its lasting significance
Objectives:
1. Understand the important role the Homestead Act of 1862 had in shaping Nebraska history.
2. Reflect on how Nebraska's diverse geography created challenges for homesteaders.
3. Learn the events from the south that pushed Black homesteaders north.
4. Develop an appreciation for the difficulties that Black homesteaders faced.
5. Be inspired by the creation of an intentional community like DeWitty.
6. Appreciate the difficult lives of farmers now, and then.
Homestead National Historical Park is able to connect to students using several different technologies to include: H.323 (IP addresses), through a conference call. If you do not see the connection you are specifically looking for, please contact us at the information below.
Homestead National Historical Park partners with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) to schedule programs. Accounts are free and there is no charge for any of our programs.
Please register for a program here.
If you are unable to register through CILC, please call the Education Specialist at (402) 223-3514 or via e-mail.
Last updated: March 11, 2023