Last updated: March 7, 2019
Lesson Plan
Saving History: The White House, Dolley Madison and the War of 1812
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- Additional Standards:
- For a list of National Standards please see complete lesson plan.
Essential Question
How did Dolley Madison help to save history during the War of 1812?
Objective
Please see a list of learning objectives in the Background Information section.
Background
After reading letters written by First Lady Dolley Madison and completing the activities, students will be able to:
1. Describe the activity and action at the White House on August 23 and 24, 1814.
2. Characterize the tone that Mrs. Madison used in describing the events.
3. Describe the importance of saving the George Washington portrait as a national icon.
4. Reflect on the value of records left by public figures who participate in major events.
5. Discuss the importance of letters as historical documents and discuss ways that they be altered over time.
6. Discuss the destruction of the White House as a symbolic gesture by the British.
7. List the pros and cons of the contemplated removal of the seat of government from Washington following the destruction of the Capitol, White House, and Treasury building.
8. Describe the role of first lady and characterize the evolution of that "job."
For further information on Dolley Madision in the White House and much more visit the White House Historical Association.
Preparation
Please see Lesson Plan pdf for activities and a complete procedure list.
Materials
Lesson Plan
Procedure
Activity 1: Dolley to the Rescue
Activity 2: Putting Historical Documents to Work: The Long Life of Dolley Madison's Letter
Vocabulary
- war of 1812, Star Fort, Star-Spangled Banner, Star-Spangled Banner Flag, first lady, Chesapeake Campaign, Chesapeake Bay, James Madision, Dolley Madison, Burning of the White House, George Washington portrait, Primary Source
Enrichment Activities
Should the Federal Government Stay in Washington?
Student can participate in a debate about the location of the Federal Government historically and today.
In addition to the White House, the fire in Washington severely damaged many buildings including the Capitol, the Treasury and the War Department. Almost immediately after the fire, calls went out for the government to move to another location, ostensibly, until the city could be rebuilt. Both the cities of Philadelphia and New York made attractive offers. What should President Madison decide?
Additional Resources
White House Historical Association. White House History, Journal Article I: "Reminiscence of Madison," by Paul Jennings. (This article is a complete reprint of the 1865 memoir of Jennings, a slave who worked in the White House during Madison's presidency.)
White House History, Journal Article IV: "The Burning of Washington," Anthony Pitch.
Transcript of: A British Account of the Burning of Washington by George Robert Gleig
War of 1812 Virtual Resource Center for Teachers
First Ladies Library
Virginia Center for Digital History, The Dolley Madison Project