The Research Room will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Those wanting to do research on that Wednesday or Friday, December 26, 2025 must have their appointments scheduled by Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. All virtual orientations and researcher paperwork must be completed as well.
As history detectives, students learn how to analyze historical clues shared with them by the images and objects compiled in the Object Analysis PowerPoint. Students work through National Archives’ records in a group analysis activity and test their understanding with one of the independent activities included. They complete their detective work and demonstrate understanding of historical analysis through selection of an included writing prompt. The lesson plan has been scaled for elementary and secondary levels, and includes reference information for teachers as well.
- Lesson Plan: Analyzing Historical Objects, Elementary
- Object Analysis PowerPoint, Elementary
- Object Analysis PowerPoint Captions, Elementary
- Object Analysis PowerPoint Slide Questions, Elementary
- Finding Clues Handouts, Elementary
- Lesson Plan: Analyzing Historical Objects, Secondary
- Finding Clues Handouts, Secondary
Analysis Methods & Worksheets
The STAC’D (Stacked) Method is useful for analyzing archival video and can be modified according to the students’ level.
Designed and developed by our Education staff, these worksheets can help students understand how to analyze and evaluate the holdings of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.