Skip to Main Content

History by Design: Research Phase (Weeks 3-8)

“A museum is a school; The Artist learns to communicate; The public learns to make connections.” –Luis Camnitzer

Research Resources

Below is a list of critical lens agnostic research resources, search engines, tips, and activities to help teachers with the research phase. Navigate to the lens-specific resource tabs for a more customized resource list per lens per pathway.

Resources From Public Libraries

  • New York Public Library
    • NYPL has a vast database of texts, photos, maps and more to help students with their research
    • Option to phone an expert ► 
      • Does your Crew have any questions? Email Liz Billy at The New York Public Library with a cc to historybydesign@schools.nyc.gov to schedule a Zoom call to discuss!
      • Curator Crews should generate a list of questions they'd like to ask the expert in advance of the call. Teachers should email that list to the expert before the call so they have time to review and prepare. 
      • Cameras should be turned on for the call if at all possible. 
  • Brooklyn Connections @ Brooklyn Public Library
    • Scroll down a third of the way to the part that says "LET'S GET STARTED!" Guide your students through this short presentation on best practices in online research. Topics covered include: how to make a pre-research game plan, how to use keywords, and the difference between databases and search engines. 
    • A list of trustworthy internet resources from Brooklyn Public Library.
    • Go on the below virtual field trip to learn more about the archives at Brooklyn Public Library! Click the button with brackets forming a square to view full screen then click the play button to enjoy!

Resources From National Archives

  • The National Archives
    • DocsTeach is an easy-to-use resource that was specifically designed to be used in classrooms by students and teachers. Find activities you can use to teach about primary sources and use their search function to find primary sources to help your students decide on their research topic. 
    • The National Archives Catalog is a search engine that will be most helpful after you have narrowed your topic and are looking for specific information. 
    • History Hub is a crowdsourcing platform sponsored by the National Archives. This search engine is most helpful when you have narrowed your topic and are looking for specific information.
    • Use this worksheet to do a scavenger hunt with students or this graphic organizer to help students stay organized during their search.
    • Option to phone an expert ► 
      • Does your Crew have any questions? Email Chris Zarr at National Archives at New York City with a cc to historybydesign@schools.nyc.gov to schedule a Zoom call to discuss!
      • Curator Crews should generate a list of questions they'd like to ask the expert in advance of the call. Teachers should email that list to the expert before the call so they have time to review and prepare. 
      • Cameras should be turned on for the call if at all possible. 

Additional Research Resources