These immersive environments will bring history to life for your students from the comfort of their own homes
Explore the history of America’s Mid-Atlantic region through these virtual tours and interactive galleries. Home to some of the nation’s most iconic historical sites, this region is filled with exciting opportunities for students experience from the comfort of their home or classroom.
Ulysses S. Grant Cottage (Moreau, NY)
Explore the grounds of the final residence of Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War general and 18th president of the United States. Guided by audio of the knowledgeable members at the Grant Cottage, virtual tourists are led through the grounds, exploring the interior of the cottage and the land on which Ulysses S. Grant spent his days and delve into the history of the property. The virtual tour offers an experience at your own pace, perfect for online classrooms that may not be able to go through the virtual tour together in person. The addition of audio recordings creates an immersive experience, offering a vantage point of American history unmatched.
Ellis Island Virtual Tour (New York City)
Walk through and explore the expansive buildings and quiet halls of Ellis Island that 12 million immigrants traveled through from 1892 to 1954. The virtual tour is all-encompassing, with a step-by-step walkthrough that offers a 360-degree view and a 3D map of the entire island. Those on the virtual tour get in-depth information on the buildings they choose to enter and the history of the island as a whole. A rare look into buildings and sections previously off-limits to in-person tours is not full-access, allowing classrooms or individuals to explore the island’s rich history with a hands-on feel. If one would rather experience a tour that covers more ground than the step-by-step walkthrough tour, fly-through 3D videos are available. The in-depth access to Ellis Island offers a perfect activity for the family or the classroom, diving into the history that built America.
Credit NPS
Gettysburg Battlefield (Gettysburg, PA)
Google Arts & Culture offers the unique virtual experience of exploring one of the most historic memorials in America: Gettysburg Battlefield. Traverse through the expansive land of Gettysburg Battlefield and learn about how the fate of the nation was decided in the summer of 1863. The Gettysburg National Military Mark archival and museum collection further brings to life the history of the site with in-depth facts about the land and those who fought upon it during the Civil War. This virtual tour offers an opportunity to set the textbook down and explore through our own eyes the history of Gettysburg battlefield.
Morristown National Historical Park (Morristown, NJ)
Visit the sites of George Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment of December 1779 to June 1780, where they survived the coldest winter on record. Placing your students back in time with a virtual tour of the sites in which war was the present day in America. With access to Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion and the buildings in the Morristown National Historical Park, as well as dozens of artifacts, experiencing history is a click away. Learn about pre-revolutionary America by visiting the sites in which our founding father and his army survived for sake of our country.
Credit Google Arts & Culture
White House (Washington, D.C.)
For over 200 years, the White House has served as a symbol of the United States and home to our presidents. Highlight the history of America by experiencing a virtual tour through the historic building.From art and decor to the staple rooms of the White House, Google Arts & Culture has created an exhibit of one of the most important buildings in American history. The exploration is completely up to the virtual visitor, allowing browsing of various categories such as over 200 canvas and oil paintings, 360-degree view of the White House indoors and outdoors and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The virtual tour gives an in-depth experience that makes anyone feel as though they are embarking on a historic journey.
Frederick Douglass National Historical Site (Washington, D.C.)
Visit the preserved home and estate of Frederick Douglass, the iconic 19th century American abolitionist. This virtual experience offers hundreds of artifacts and archival collections alongside a tour through the home of one of America’s most famous social reformers and national leader of the abolitionist movement. The virtual experience also offers Museum Collection lesson plans for classrooms and expansive information throughout the tour. Voyage back in time to the beginning of the abolitionist movement and learn about one of America’s most important leading voices.
Credit NPS
George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Virginia)
Walk the grounds of the home that George Washington designed himself and explore the estate of America’s first president and to look into America’s history of slavery. With the ability to explore all areas of the estate, virtual tourists get noted information with each location and in-depth learning of the historical importance of preserving the home. The site exemplifies a complex view of American history, portraying life during the 18th century and the cruel reliance on slavery. The estate is accessible virtually and offers an opportunity for students to learn more about America’s first president.
