# Lesson 1: Day 5 - Black Founders

## Google Doc of This Lesson

[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1%5FNYAwgH9EGog4%5F88IezbCrBbsm943wuOUJ8pNgJcceI/edit?tab=t.o6ufw4uwzvq](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1%5FNYAwgH9EGog4%5F88IezbCrBbsm943wuOUJ8pNgJcceI/edit?tab=t.o6ufw4uwzvq)

## **Activity 1:**  **Preserving History** 

**Overview:** This opening discussion introduces students to the themes of historical preservation and memory. It invites them to reflect on the power behind who tells history and whose stories are remembered or erased.

**Time:** 10 minutes

**Format:** Whole Group

**Objective:** SWBAT reflect on the purpose and politics of historical preservation by considering how narratives are shaped, remembered, and sometimes excluded from the historical record.

* *Why do we preserve history?* 
* *Who decides what gets remembered and what gets forgotten?*


## **Activity 2:**  **Historical Preservation: The Forten Family**

**Overview:** In this activity, students will explore the significance of historical preservation by viewing a short video featuring Art Sudler, historian for the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, and taking a virtual tour of the *Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia* exhibit. Together, these resources highlight how archival materials and public history exhibits preserve and honor the legacy of Black civic leadership, family identity, and community activism.

**Time:** 25 minutes

**Format:** Whole Group/ Individual

**Objective:** SWBAT analyze historical text and data to interpret how Black benevolent societies in 1838 Philadelphia addressed community needs and demonstrated collective strategies of self-determination.

* Show [__Black Philadelphia | Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia__](https://youtu.be/SwuyI5IOvYY?si=sqOpujYG7wVvKqPJ)
* * Ask students to share their takeaways
* Project [__Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia__](https://blackfounders.amrevmuseum.org/?_gl=1\*1vq7xas\*_gcl_au\*MTI3NzExNjAzOC4xNzUwMDg5ODk4\*_ga\*MTkxNDUyNDUyMy4xNzUwMDg5ODk3\*_ga_Y0765X22CH\*czE3NTA1MzAzODIkbzQkZzEkdDE3NTA1MzE4MzMkajQ3JGwwJGgw). 
* Explain to students that they will explore this virtual exhibit which includes rare historical objects lent to the Museum of the American Revolution by the Forten family.
* Demonstrate how to navigate the virtual exhibit. 
* Invite students to work individually to explore the exhibit and to use the [__Historical Preservation: The Forten Family__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gUEweItMlSkA-21LzbbHJ9iV24_qUJlXJya9Mn8j3dY/edit?usp=sharing) document to capture notes. 
* * Share this document with students so they can make their own copies: [__Historical Preservation: The Forten Family- Make a copy__](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gUEweItMlSkA-21LzbbHJ9iV24_qUJlXJya9Mn8j3dY/copy).


## **Activity 3: Think, Pair, Share**

**Overview:** This activity asks students to process what they learned while exploring the virtual exhibit by sharing key takeaways, surprises, or questions about the Forten family's legacy. 

**Time:** 10 minutes

**Format:** Individual

**Objective:** SWBAT articulate insights from a historical exhibit and evaluate the intergenerational impact of historical preservation. 

* Ask students to review their notes from the virtual tour, reviewing each category with their partner.
* Invite students to discuss their takeaways sharing one insight or lingering question.

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**Documents**

- [L1:5 Black Founders Virtual Exhibit](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l15-black-founders-virtual-exhibit-86UVnLJDj5)
- [L1:5 Activity - Historical Preservation: The Forten Family](https://1838blackmetropolis.getoutline.com/s/aa099d92-e5c1-4fa9-ad54-9fd69ac27a28/doc/l15-activity-historical-preservation-the-forten-family-fnHrQrz7qH)