This collection demonstrates the range of ways that you can teach with historic objects.

<p>Welcome to the Heinz History Center's History Lab, where we ask questions about the past, think about what makes history cool, and sharpen your history skills!</p>

<p>First formed in 1951, the Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (ACC-PARC) was established as a grassroots organization comprised of the parents of people with disabilities. The aspect of ACC-PARC’s daily activities most represented in these records are the efforts of the association to investigate the treatment of people with disabilities at residential care facilities in Western Pennsylvania during the 1960s and 1970s.</p> <p>This Learning Lab collection is designed to highlight the specific steps taken by the parents and members of ACC-PARC as they advocated for change in residential care facilities in this region. Each document illuminates a specific step or tactic used by the parents as they attempted to raise awareness of poor treatment of people with disabilities, stop overcrowding and under-staffing in facilities, and push for legislation to ensure the well-being of residents.</p> <p>This archival collection and the materials presented in this Learning Lab collection are housed at the Detre Library and Archives at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA:</p> <p><strong>Title: Bob Nelkin Collection of Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (ACC-PARC) Records</strong> </p> <p><strong>Dates: 1953-2000</strong> </p> <p><strong>Creator: Nelkin, Bob</strong> </p> <p><strong>Catalog Number: MSS 1002</strong> </p> <p>#socialchange #disabilityhistory #advocacy #changemaker</p>

<p>This curriculum pack was produced by the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and <em>e</em>xplores the importance of oral histories in archival work and prepares prepare students to conduct oral histories.  The three lessons should be followed consecutively. They guide students towards creating their own oral history about a subject--click on the paperclip to find the activities that make up each lesson. Sources  and materials are also included (be sure to click on the paper clip and/or info icon on each item to find out more about it). </p>

<p><em>Fast Lines: Transportation, 1800–1900</em> contains activities, primary sources, and other information to help teach students about the effect of transportation in western Pennsylvania  (be sure to click on the paper clip and/or info icon on each item to find out more about it). </p>

<p>This curriculum pack was produced by the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and includes everything you need to teach about the town of Homestead and how it reflects changes in American society. The student text includes readings that you can give directly to your students, and the info tab includes suggested teaching activities. Primary sources and biographies with suggested activities are also included (be sure to click on the paper clip and/or info icon on each item to find out more about it). </p>

<p>Resources for the CLO Guide</p>

<p><em>Thinking About History</em> contains resources that provide teachers with useful tools for helping students think about the past and multiple ways for accessing information about history, ranging from photographs to literature. This curriculum pack was produced by the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and includes sources  and materials  (be sure to click on the paper clip and/or info icon on each item to find out more about it). </p>

<p>This Learning Lab is designed as an additional resource in preparation for the March 31st, 2022 webinar on Rachel Carson, presented by the Heinz History Center. <br><br>If you missed the live webinar, you can view the recording on our YouTube page <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/heinzhistorycenter">here</a>. <br></p>

<p>A member of Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood, Alma Illery was a local civic leader and change maker. In the 1940s when Pittsburgh was a city clouded with coal smoke, Alma Illery provided a space for Pittsburgh’s children to explore the great outdoors and build relationships with other youth throughout the city. Explore this Learning Lab to learn about the work of Alma Illery, the driving force behind Camp Achievement, and the summer camp that hundreds of inner-city children would enjoy during the summer. </p> <p>Escaping the Smokey City: Alma Illery and Camp Achievement Learning Lab provides teachers an opportunity to explore the past with students through primary sources, allowing students to compare historical information to contemporary experiences and events.<br></p>

<p><em>By using this collection, learners will . . .</em></p> <ul><li>Use primary sources to understand a range of perspectives on the Space Race. </li><li>Understand why the United States was concerned about the Soviet space program. </li><li>Be able to analyze the Cold War era context of the Space Race and draw their own conclusions about the success of the Space Race. </li></ul>

<p>Explore the historical significance of travel for African Americans during racial segregation and the essential role played by the travel guides like the Negro Motorist’ Green Book. Discover how the Green Book empowered individuals and communities to travel with dignity. Dive into local Pittsburgh businesses and history. Explore primary sources, photographs, and stories, and engage in interactive activities to better understand this critical period in American history. </p>