My America in Portrait Sketches: Art, Primary Sources, and the Classroom

Discover how artwork and archival primary sources can enrich your classroom.

Explore the museum’s newest exhibition, My America: An Illustrated Experience, alongside one of its contributing artists. Artist and educator Tara Zalewsky-Nease will offer an inside look at the techniques, research, and creative process behind her artwork, “My America in Portrait Sketches.”

Following the discussion, museum educators will work with participants in the Detre Library & Archives to analyze a range of primary sources and learn practical strategies to incorporate into your classroom.

Whether you teach elementary or high school, you’ll gain engaging approaches to help students ask deeper questions, interpret visual and archival evidence, and connect art to historical inquiry.

Attendees will also enjoy a special walkthrough of My America and learn how to access the History Center’s collection of classroom-ready resources.

This program is part of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.

America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.

Heinz History Center programs commemorating America’s 250th anniversary are supported by Nimick Forbesway Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Visit PA, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

Admission

This hands-on teaching workshop is $15 for educators, with Act 48 credits provided for an additional $5 fee. 

For additional questions, please contact [email protected].