Arlington National Cemetery's Education Program is now on Canvas!  Learn More
 
America 250
Arlington National Cemetery is proud to join the nation in honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. The graves and memorials within Arlington’s 639 acres represent every era, every conflict, and every community that is part of the nation’s 250 years of history. The lesson plans and walking tour in this special commemorative module examine how the principles and ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence have influenced American history and shaped Arlington National Cemetery.

Walking Tour: The Legacy of the American Revolution

The American Revolution created a new nation and helped establish ideas about freedom, citizenship, equality, and self-government that continue to shape the United States and the world today. This walking tour will guide you to seven graves and memorials connected to the American Revolution. Each stop shares the story of an individual’s or a group’s service during and/or after the war, and explains how they came to be honored at Arlington.. 
 

Lesson Plan: Designing a Capital City

Students will consider how the design of a capital city reflects the values, history, and aspirations of a nation’s people. By analyzing Revolutionary War veteran Pierre L'Enfant's plan for Washington, D.C., they will identify core American civic values and use those to design their own ideal capital city. 
 

Materials

Lesson Plan: 250 Years of Defending American Ideals

Students will review American ideals in the Declaration of Independence and examine how those ideals have been defended by individuals buried at ANC. They will analyze primary sources, create a poster exhibit, and reflect on how such ideals shape their own lives.
 

Materials

Lesson Plan: Applying the Principles of the Declaration of Independence

Students will review the Declaration of Independence, learn about five people buried at Arlington National Cemetery though primary and secondary sources, and then discuss how those individuals’ actions connect to quotes from the Declaration.

Materials