Classroom Resources
We know that your curiosity continues far beyond the walls of our museum’s historic buildings, exhibits, programs.
Explore our collection of activities, experiences, and even curriculum-based lessons to support learning and fun -- from anywhere!
Below are some ideas on how to further bring your local history lessons to life.
World War II Heritage Cities Lesson Collection
The three lessons, and culminating fourth lesson, support the development of understanding the significance of Manitowoc, Wisconsin designated as an American World War II Heritage City. Highlights of the first two listed lessons include defense manufacturing in Manitowoc, such as with the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company and the increased opportunities for women in work during wartime on the home front. The third lesson shares ways civilians volunteered and contributed to war efforts on the home front. All lessons highlight specific contributions but connect to larger themes and understandings of the U.S. home front during wartime. A mix of primary and secondary sources are used, along with photos and media.
Write a letter to a Civil War soldier
Learn the story of a Manitowoc County Volunteer with Company A, Fifth Wisconsin and write a letter asking about the experience.
Learn more HERE.
Manitowoc County History: "We Didn’t Start the Fire" Parody Song
The following is a parody of "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel (1989). The parody was created to showcase and educate about the rich history of innovation, hard work, and good spirit of the Manitowoc County, Wisconsin community. Thank you to John Stelzer, Drums, and Steve Proszenyak, Artist/Producer.
Lyrics to the parody can be found HERE. To learn about the people, places, and events in the parody, please visit the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
General Store Math with a Family Ledger
Choose your family! Each family has members that have needs and wants - and a budget. Look in the catalog to find the items from your cards you would like to purchase. Write the item, quantity, unit price, and total on the ledger. Warning! The items on your cards might add up to be more than your budget. Once your group has chosen their items, add up the grand total. If the total is more than your budget, you must decide which items to remove.
Local History Scavenger Hunt
Residents in Manitowoc County have embraced local history for over a century. In 1976, the Manitowoc County Historical Society, Manitowoc County Bi-Centennial Committee and the Manitowoc-Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce joined together to create a historical map that covers more than 377,000 acres and over 80 locations of local history events. Today, this map has been retouched for a new audience. Download a map from the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s website, hop in the car, and follow the “Footpaths of our heritage.”
Get creative with historic photos
Create a story around what you see in a historic photo. You could research what is happening in the image or make up your own creative story.