Arlington National Cemetery's Education Program is now on Canvas!  Learn More
 
Civics
American citizenship comes with many rights and responsibilities that enable our democracy to function. The graves and memorials at Arlington National Cemetery provide ample opportunities to explore the evolution and meanings of American citizenship. Through the stories of Americans buried here, students and lifelong learners can understand historical connections between military service and citizenship, efforts to expand citizenship rights and other topics that form the basis of civics education.

Walking Tour: Segregation and Civil Rights

Explore Arlington’s past as a plantation, learn about the Freedman's Village built on this property during the Civil War, and meet some trailblazers of the civil rights movement.
The history of African Americans at Arlington National Cemetery parallels and reflects the history of African Americans in the United States. This walking tour includes sites related to slavery, Reconstruction, segregation, the civil rights movement, and the continuing contributions of African Americans to the U.S. military and society.
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Starting point: Section 36 (0.2 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.

Lesson Plan: Fighting for the Vote

World War I marked the first time American women were allowed to enlist in the military and serve in roles outside of nursing. It also marked a turning point in the fight for women’s suffrage in the United States. In this lesson, high school students will learn about women’s military contributions in World War I and practice for the AP U.S. History exam Document-Based Question as they review primary-source documents.
 

Walking Tour: Women's Rights

This tour highlights some women you may be surprised to find buried at ANC, since they themselves did not serve in the military and are buried alongside their military spouses. As civilians, however, these women made important contributions to American society and women’s long struggle for equality. As you explore the cemetery, consider the meanings of service and rights — and women whose names have not been traditionally remembered or honored in the historical record.
  • Distance: ~5 miles. Shorten your walk by taking the tram: click here for information. 
  • Exertion level: High
  • Starting point: Section 30 (.2 miles from Welcome Center)

Walking Tour: African American Trailblazers

This walking tour celebrates the achievements of African American men and women in the U.S. military who made historic contributions to American society
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Starting point: Section 33 (0.5 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Because this walking tour is quite long, we recommend completing it in smaller sections.
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