Lesson 7: Day 1 - Octavius Catto

Octavius Catto, Image Public Domain

Octavius Catto, Image Public Domain

Google Doc for This Lesson

Activity 1: The Octavius Catto Connection

Overview: In this activity, students synthesize what they learned from Discovering Incredible Connections to Famous Black Civil Rights Hero Octavius Catto | Ancestry®. They will learn about the importance of preserving Black history through cemeteries and digitization, and reflect on how Catto’s legacy connects to the present.

Time: 20 minutes

Format: Whole Group

Objective: SWBAT summarize key facts about Octavius Catto, explain the role of cemeteries and digitization in preserving Black history, and reflect on the modern significance of Catto’s legacy.

  • Tell students: “Today we will watch a short video about discovering family history and the story of Octavius Catto, a civil rights leader in 19th-century Philadelphia. As you watch, take notes on key details that stand out.”

  • Share the The Octavius Catto Connection worksheet and say: “While watching, jot down facts you learn about Catto, something about why cemeteries and digitization matter, and any thoughts on why this history is important for us today.”

  • Play the video straight through while students complete their notes.

  • Give students time to finish their worksheet responses.

  • Invite a few students to share one fact or reflection. 

  • Highlight the themes of preserving history, honoring legacies, and connecting past to present.


Activity 2: Octavius Catto Speaks

Overview: In this read-aloud activity, students examine  Our Alma Mater (Catto, 1864), Octavius Catto’s commencement address delivered at the Institute for Colored Youth. Through discussion, students consider how Catto celebrated the role of education in shaping freedom and citizenship for Black Americans. 

Time: 30 minutes

Format: Whole Group/ Partners

  • Remind students that Octavius Catto was a graduate of the Institute for Colored Youth, becoming both a teacher and eventually the principal of ICY. 

  • Explain that today, they will read Octavius Catto’s commencement address delivered at the Institute for Colored Youth in 1864.

  • Project Our Alma Mater (Catto, 1864) and read pp. 3-7 aloud.

    • Pause while reading to ask clarifying questions:

      • “The introduction mentions alumni giving speeches, reading essays, and honoring former classmates. What does this tell us about the kind of community ICY was building for its students and graduates?”

      • “Compare and contrast the ICY graduation with graduations you’ve experienced. What are the similarities and differences?"

  • Divide students into pairs or invite them to choose a partner. 

  • Ask students to work with their partner to read an excerpt from Catto’s speech- pp. 12-16. 

  • Share the Analyzing "Our Alma Mater" (Catto, 1864) worksheet and invite students to make their own copies: 

  • If time permits, ask a few students to summarize their takeaways.