What is it?
Smithsonian's History Explorer is a Web site being developed by the National Museum of American History in partnership with the Verizon Foundation to offer free, innovative online resources for teaching and learning American history.

Who will find it useful?
K-12 teachers and students, afterschool program providers, families, and individuals interested in lifelong learning.

What makes Smithsonian’s History Explorer unique?
Its resources will focus on learning history by "reading" objects for the stories they hold about the nation and its many peoples. Learning activities will feature objects selected from the more than 3 million items in the Museum's collections, and will draw on the expertise of the Museum's renowned curatorial staff.

How can I get involved?
Participate in Smithsonian's History Explorer online community of self-directed learners—both inside and outside the classroom. Interact with other users in a dialog about American history and its connections to our lives today. To share an idea or to be considered for inclusion in focus or evaluation groups, send an email to: thinkfinity@si.edu

When will Smithsonian's History Explorer be available?
In the fall of 2007, the first lessons will be added to the 55,000 lesson plans already available on thinkfinity.org. More resources and activities will be added on a regular basis thereafter.