Carnegie libraries: The future made bright
http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/50carnegie/50carnegie.htm
A lesson plan for grades 11–12 Social Studies
Carnegie libraries illustrate many important aspects of turn-of-the-century America. The money to build them came from a man whose beliefs mixed aggressive capitalism with a commitment to public philanthropy. Carnegie’s gifts were built on efforts already begun by others. These library supporters had a variety of motives, including a belief in learning and an attempt to shape society along the lines they preferred.
Objectives for students:
- to understand how Andrew Carnegie epitomized the American dream of “rags to riches”
- to explain why Carnegie chose libraries to be among his first and foremost benefactions
- to examine the impact of libraries in America and how they reflect the values of the society they serve
- to explain the effects of philanthropy on the United States
- to determine how their own community libraries are being supported and how they were supported in the past
This lesson is based on the Medford Free Public Library, the Carnegie Free Library, and the Carnegie Libraries of Washington Thematic Resource, several of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Activities in “Pulling it all Together” include research, an Inquiry Question based upon analysis of a political cartoon, historical context explaining the role of libraries in American History, and use of maps and images.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Social Studies (2003)
Grade 11–12 — Advanced Placement United States History
- Goal 8: The Gilded Age (1877-1900): The learner will describe and analyze how industrialization, immigration, urbanization, political machines, and the new intellectual movements impacted America.
- Objective 8.01: Contrast the Second Industrial Revolution with the First Industrial Revolution and analyze the contributions of industrial leaders and the following industries: railroads, iron industry, coal mining, electricity, steel production, oil drilling, and banking.
- Goal 9: The Progressive Movement (1890-1920): The learner will analyze the economic, political, and social reforms of the Progressive Period.
- Objective 9.02: Analyze the local and state reforms, including utility socialism.
Grade 11–12 — United States History
- Goal 5: Becoming an Industrial Society (1877-1900) - The learner will describe innovations in technology and business practices and assess their impact on economic, political, and social life in America.
- Objective 5.02: Explain how business and industrial leaders accumulated wealth and wielded political and economic power.
