National Archives

History can feel abstract when it’s just names and dates in a textbook, and many parents aren’t sure how to bring original documents into the mix. The U.S. National Archives website is one of our favorite ways to put kids face-to-face with real letters, photos, maps, and records from American history at no cost. Curated by archivists and educators, the site offers digitized primary sources, ready-made document analysis worksheets, and teaching activities that make it easier to ask, “What did people at the time actually see and say?” We love how searchable and classroom-ready many collections are, whether you’re exploring immigration records, civil rights materials, or World War II posters. It’s ideal for middle and high school students doing research projects, AP-style document analysis, or portfolio work that needs strong primary sources. The sheer volume of material can feel overwhelming, and some navigation is a bit clunky, but the richness and authenticity of the sources are unmatched for free. Pro tip: start with one of the “DocsTeach” activities or featured collections, then let older kids branch out into independent document hunts.