America The Story of Us: Premieres Sunday, April 25th at 9/8c Share the News about Contests, Classroom Resources, and more I’d like to tell everyone about an exciting new series we have coming up on HISTORY entitled America The Story of Us. Premiering on Sunday, April 25th from 9 to 11 pm, it will run on Sunday nights through May 30th. Along with great story-telling and truly innovative production techniques, America the Story of Usgives us a chance to present our biggest educational opportunities for teachers, students, and libraries. The series begins with the story of Jamestown and ends with perspectives on modern-day America, with a well-paced narration, eye-witness accounts, and computer-generated illustrations that will make your students sit up and say, “Wow!” I recommend it for students in sixth grade and over, because there are a few gruesome scenes, like the accounts of the DonnerParty and Civil War medicine that may be inappropriate for little kids. You’ll have to be the judge if it works for younger students. Let’s face it - American history isn’t always pretty. But overall, the series focuses on innovation, invention, and the creative spirit of Americans who built this nation. Not only will it be a great tool for professional development, but segments can be used in classrooms for all ages.

Along with the epic series, we’ve created the largest educational support in the history of HISTORY, with serious prizes. We’ll be awarding $25,000 in cash prizes for the most innovative (and effective) lesson plans submitted. A submitted lesson plan does not have to be new, but it should be one you think is great and that other teachers will want to know about too. We have a student video contest and a contest for libraries, working with the President’s Committee for the Arts and the Humanities and the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Visit us online for submission forms and detailed info about these contests. With the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, we will be producing a live webcast scheduled for May 6th, looking at invention and innovation in American history. Stay tuned for more info about this free online event.

Finally, we are offering a free DVD copy of the entire America the Story of Us to every school in the nation. Yes, every school, public, private, or parochial, Kindergarten through Grade 12, and accredited colleges. School principals or headmasters (or the dean of students at an accredited college) have to register on our website to receive a copy, mailed to their school or college later this year at no cost. Details about how to receive the DVD contests and a wealth of complimentary classroom resources are available online at http://www.history.com/classroom.

Please help us get the word out about this unique series, and the contests. Forward this email to your colleagues and librarians you know.

Libby O’Connell, Ph.D. Chief Historian SVP, Corporate Outreach HISTORY