New Curricula Explores First Amendment Freedoms and Americans Who Have Struggled to Defend, Preserve, and Expand Them

March 24, 2006

Arlington, VA – The Bill of Rights Institute has published two curriculum that focus on the First Amendment and those Americans who fought to defend, preserve and expand these freedoms.

Developed in collaboration with the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum, a Chicago-based museum opening on April 11, 2006, Faces of Freedom in American History and Conflict and Continuity: The Story of American Freedom complement the museum exhibits, but are also effective stand alone instructional material.

Faces of Freedom in American History introduces middle school students to Americans who have exercised their First Amendment rights through hands-on activities, primary source documents, and biographical essays. Individuals include James Madison, Sojourner Truth, Edward R. Murrow, and Mary Beth Tinker.

Conflict and Continuity helps high school students understand the foundations of freedom and explore how First Amendment principles continue to challenge American society today through primary source documents, background essays, and historical narratives. The curriculum also demonstrates how the U.S. has reconciled competing rights; for example, the right to a fair trial versus the right to freedom of the press. Controversial and timely issues such as cameras in the courtroom and suspension of civil liberties in times of crisis are also examined.

The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum (www.FreedomMuseum.us), created and funded by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, is the nation’s first museum dedicated to freedom and the First Amendment. Through interactive exploration, visitors gain a greater understanding of the struggle of freedom in the United States and the role the First Amendment plays in historic and contemporary rights movements, as well as in everyday life.

The Bill of Rights Institute is an educational non-profit organization that was founded in 1999. Its mission is to educate young people about our country’s Founding principles through classroom materials and programs that teach the words and ideas of the Founders; the liberties and freedoms guaranteed in our Founding documents; and how America’s Founding principles affect and shape a free society. Visit us on the web at www.BillofRightsInstitute.org.

For more information about this release contact:

Kimberly Ash
Vice President of Marketing
703-894-1776 ext. 18

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