history

History Resources

The Internet has proven to be a great leveler when it comes to making resources available, especially "original" sources. I lost faith in "textbook" style books long ago (lots of factual errors because of the compilation nature, "spin" on the text, and other issues), so having first-sources available is a tremendous advantage in learning what really happened.

That said, there is also wisdom in learning from those who have studied history and can add some perspective to various events. Thus, it is important both to learn to think for ourselves and read the original documents, but also to have trusted mentors (for that is what these perspective-givers are) who know what they're talking about.

I have also found that reading biographies is a great source of learning about history. After all, people are the instigators of events, and that's what makes history! Well-written biographies also make for much more interesting reading than dry textbooks ever did.

Below is a list of some websites and other sources that I have found helpful in my own learning as well as my children's learning. This list is by no means comprehensive - given the proliferation of information outlets, this is just a small sampling of sites and resources that I've found particularly helpful and interesting. One of the unifying themes for these resources is their citation of original sources, which helps in verification of what's been told.

World History

The Bible - Totally foundational to an understanding of anything that has happened in the world. If we do not understand the historical events and worldview of the Bible, especially those of beginnings in the early chapters of Genesis, then we will not be able to understand nor make sense of the rest of human history. There are many great resources such as e-Sword (free), online versions such as ESVBibleand Literal Word (NASB), or Bible Gateway which has multiple versions available.

Drive Thru History - An absolutely fantastic and engaging video series starring Dave Stotts. Ancient history was never so much fun - my kids love this series. If you want to get the full series, I highly recommend the "XL" edition as it is the expanded version of the four ancient history programs.

Learning Through History - Period-specific magazines, books, maps, e-versions (on DVD), and much of it geared toward school-age learners. We have nearly all the magazines, and my kids will sit and re-read them still.

Chester Comix - History in comic book format. The format is less intimidating for those who struggle with reading, and has infused all of my boys with an enthusiasm for history. There are lots of freebies on the website, as well as a store where you can buy copies to put around the house for discovery.

KnowledgeQuest - A great source of maps (both print and computer/tablet interactive), beautifully illustrated and written history books (again print and e-books), and online classes. Lots of samplers and freebies on their website. Many of their resources really make the strong connection between geography and history.

The PIG Series (Politically Incorrect Guides) - Not limited to world history, but does contain a lot. As implied by the title, this series takes some serious aim at checking the "spin" that often accompanies tomes on history and civics as taught in public and politically correct locales.

History Revealed by Diana Waring - Ancient through Modern history, as told through the stories of the people who made the history.

History Revealed (eu) - Cool website for seeing research documents, including scripts, images and maps. To buy is pretty pricey, but being able to see decent pictures of these original documents is pretty cool.

Western History

For this section, I can recommend many of the same sites/resources as for World History (eg. Vision Forum , Learning Through History, Chester Comix, The PIG Series (Politically Incorrect Guides), Drive Thru History, KnowledgeQuest and History Revealed by Diana Waring) which have resources specifically dealing with Western history and civilization.

Hillsdale College free course on Western History and Civilization - Hillsdale College - which does not accept any federal or state monies and so is not beholden to the P.C. worldview - offers a free course on Western History and Civilization. Well worth the time to watch the video lectures and go through the quizzes. You'll be amazed at what you didn't learn in public school.

Christian Church History

And again - Learning Through History, Chester Comix, The PIG Series (Politically Incorrect Guides), Drive Thru History, KnowledgeQuest, and History Revealed by Diana Waring)

CCEL - The Christian Classics Ethereal Library has thousands of documents, including treatises on doctrinal statments through the years, biographies, and historical narratives, providing documentation of the history of the church. Most of these are available as free downloads.

What's in the Bible? - This is a fantastic video series by Phil Vischer (creator of VeggieTales) that starts with Genesis and works through the entire Bible. Phil uses puppets and some excellent memory techniques to teach kids what is in the Bible, and a lot of church history as well. Highly recommended for young and old.

U.S.A. History

Again, for this section, I can recommend many of the same sites/resources as for World and Western History (eg.Learning Through History, Chester Comix, and The PIG Series (Politically Incorrect Guides), )

Hillsdale College American Heritage and Constitution series - Two different series, both free (they do accept donations), on American history and the history and meaning of the consitution. Well worth the time to watch the video lectures and go through the quizzes. You'll be amazed at what you didn't learn in public school.

Learn Our History - A DVD series that uses time-traveling kids to help modern kids understand the important events in our nation's history.

Drive Thru History - Their American History series is fantastic. Available either in groups, or as the complete series.

The Federalist Papers - This website contains a plethora of original documents (including the Antifederalist Papers as well) including articles, books, and pamphlets that have been important in shaping our nation. Nearly all the content is freely available for download, and there are many thoughtful and thought-provoking commentaries in this extremely information-rich site.

Biographies

The Federalist Papers - Among the many documents here are a number of biographies and autobiographies of our founding fathers (and mothers). Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, and many, many more. Free downloads.

John Adams by David McCullough - One of the best-written and researched biographies I've had the pleasure of reading. It helps that the personal correspondence between John and his wife Abigail is the most extensively preserved collections ever, and Mr. McCullough calls on these original documents extensively in his narrative.

Coolidge by Amity Shlaes - Nearly as well written as the Adams biography, Ms. Shlaes also draws on extensive correspondence (terse as it was) from Coolidge himself. Here was a fellow who was not afraid to look at the data and change his preconceived notions about how things worked, then put that knowledge into action. A lesson we can all learn from.

Free Books and Source Documents

CCEL - The Christian Classics Ethereal Library has thousands of documents, including treatises on doctrinal statments through the years, biographies, and historical narratives, providing documentation of the history of the church. Most of these are available as free downloads.

The Federalist Papers - This website contains a plethora of original documents (including the Antifederalist Papers as well) including articles, books, and pamphlets that have been important in shaping our nation. Nearly all the content is freely available for download, and there are many thoughtful and thought-provoking commentaries in this extremely information-rich site.

Hillsdale College American Heritage and Constitution series - Two different series, both free (they do accept donations), on American history and the history and meaning of the consitution. Well worth the time to watch the video lectures and go through the quizzes. You'll be amazed at what you didn't learn in public school.

KnowledgeQuest - Lots of samplers and freebies on their website (though it is a commercial site). Many of their resources really make the strong connection between geography and history.

Learning Through History - Period-specific magazines, books, maps, e-versions (on DVD), and much of it geared toward school-age learners. We have nearly all the magazines, and my kids will sit and re-read them still. Lots of free articles on the site.