E Pluribus Unum Art, Symbols, and Visuals
Some of the most recognizable, tangible, and beloved indicators of constitutional values are visual—official and unofficial symbols, iconic pieces of art and messaging. Each of these resources offers an opportunity to start a discussion about how symbols unite us. These are engaging for audiences, especially young people.
Preamble, Mike Wilkins, 1987
This engaging installation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum uses license plates from all 50 states to spell out the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution in a fresh and lively way. It raises questions about how our nation comes together, and exhibits themes in our society. The Smithsonian offers free image download and several teaching guides.
Map, Jasper Johns, 1961
Jasper Johns and Images of America
American artist Jasper Johns is famous for his paintings and collages of the American flag, maps, and other common symbols in our country. Examined alone or together, they inspire discussion about our nation’s history, themes, and artistry of E Pluribus Unum. The resources below feature art lesson images, discussion questions, and videos, including from MoMa at Home, to explore the work of Jasper Johns.
Symbols of the United States from the Library of Congress
The images of Uncle Sam, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross, and Statue of Liberty are iconic in our American hearts and minds. Where do they come from, and what do they showcase about “out of many, one?” This is a set of public domain primary source images from American history that might be used for a presentation, printed as handouts, or posted as a gallery walk. A Teaching with Primary Sources supplement includes discussion ideas and instructions.
American Symbols and National Designations for Elementary School
The United States’ official symbols, including the flag, seal, plants, animals, and objects are presented here in a very accessible basic format. It is a ready-made presentation in Canva that may be downloaded, copied, modified, and adapted as needed. This is especially accessible for younger learners and is sure to inspire questions and conversation about our nation.
An Immigration Nation
The United States has, historically and today, more immigrants than any country in the world. Immigration has been and remains one of the nation’s most political, rule of law-focused, and contentious issues. The resources here allow explorations of history as well as opportunities to have important discussions.
Immigration from Docs Teach
When it comes to primary sources about the American immigration experience, the National Archives is a treasure trove! There are images and ready lessons for teachers, volunteers, or anyone interested in exploring immigration history and starting discussions.
How Have Americans Responded to Immigration
This is a ready high school level “weigh the evidence” activity that uses primary sources from the National Archives to discuss immigration laws over time. It can be conducted digitally, so is flexible for use with student tablets and laptops and classroom smartboards.
https://www.docsteach.org/activities/teacher/how-have-americans-responded-to-immigration
Exploring America’s Diversity
Using historical ship manifest records from American ports, students young and old may take close looks at actual immigrant stories through guided questions. This is appropriate for middle school and older.
Transatlantic Slave Trade and the American Story
The Transatlantic Slave Trade was active in ports from New Orleans through New England and is part of the American story of “out of many, one.” There are numerous resources for sharing this story with students of all ages. Here are two that may be useful: an overview report from the Equal Justice Initiative, and a Smithsonian Learning Lab activity that uses objects to explore the history.
Equal Justice Initiative Overview
Smithsonian Learning Lab Learning Through Objects Activity
Emma Lazarus and a New Meaning of E Pluribus Unum
Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was a fifth generation American Jewish woman who lived in New York and was the author of “The New Colossus,” the iconic poem that is printed on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty. The Emma Lazarus Project from the American Jewish Historical Society includes a deep dive into the poem, an outstanding 12-minute documentary about Lazarus’s life, and a full curriculum for students to develop their own “New Colossus” poem. Use the poem and the documentary to have a discussion with students or adults, or use the curriculum to do everything—it’s flexible and available.