Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site.
Skip Navigation
Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesMichigan.gov, official Web site for the State of Michigan
Michigan.gov HomeDNR Home | Links | Contact DNR | DNR Mobile Apps | Site Map
Printer Friendly Version Printer Friendly   Text Only Version Text Version  Share this page.
www.michigan.gov/freedomtraillessons

Building Collective Narratives: Teaching Michigan's Stories


Here are four lesson plan ideas for grades 3, 4 and 8 to get you started on using the primary sources of Building Collective Narratives. We hope they will inspire you to explore more of the resources and create your own lessons about the Underground Railroad in Michigan.
About the Freedom Trail Lessons
Learn about the development process of this project to teach students about the Underground Railroad in Michigan.
Time Line of Slavery, Resistance and Freedom (1837 - 1893)
From Michigan statehood through the Emancipation Proclamation and to the close of the 19th century.
Time Line of Slavery, Resistance and Freedom (1501 - 1836)
From the beginning of African slavery in North America through Michigan's territorial era.
Slavery, Resistance and the Underground Railroad in Michigan
This brief narrative overview includes a color map showing areas of resistance to slavery.

Freedom Trail (Underground Railroad) Lesson Plans
Many Sides of the Law
A Michigan Underground Railroad lesson plan for grades 3, 4 and 8.
In The News
A Michigan Underground Railroad lesson plan for grades 3, 4 and 8.
A Life of Action: George DeBaptiste
A Michigan Underground Railroad lesson plan for grades 3, 4 and 8.
Who Am I? Self Image and Michigan African Americans
A Michigan Underground Railroad lesson plan for grade 8.

Meet the People of the Freedom Trail
Click here to start your search

FTL Archival Resources
Click here to start your search

FTL Newspaper Resources
Click here to start your search

In Their Own Words
Click here to start your search

Worksheets and Other Materials

• Habeas Corpus

• A Life of Action worksheet PDF icon

• In The News questions worksheet PDF icon

• Many Sides of the Law - Crosswhite Summary PDF icon

• Who Am I? sample PDF icon

• Many Sides of the Law worksheets PDF icon

• Who Am I? worksheet PDF icon


Recommended Links

• Educational Resources for Exploring the Freedom Trail
Children, parents and educators—we are compiling an ever-growing list of links to web resources for the Underground Railroad, beginning with resources located right here at the Michigan Historical Center.

• Michigan Freedom Trail Commission home page

• Black history resources at the Michigan Historical Center



Michigan.gov Home | Report All Poaching 1-800-292-7800 | DNR Home | Contact DNR | State Web Sites
Privacy Policy | Link Policy | Accessibility Policy | Security Policy | Michigan News | Michigan.gov Survey


Copyright © 2001-2012 State of Michigan