The Hamilton Education Program: Engaging Students with History Through Art
The Hamilton Education Program, affectionately known as EduHam, offers an innovative approach to learning about American history. By integrating theatrical experiences with rigorous historical study and creative expression, EduHam provides students with a unique and engaging educational opportunity.
Origins and Goals
The Hamilton Education Program was created to bring civics to life for high school students in response to a 2014 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessment-only 1 in 10 students demonstrated knowledge proficiency in US history. Recognizing the need for a more engaging approach, the program aimed to integrate American history education with the arts by allowing high school students from Title I-eligible schools (schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families) to experience the musical and delve into the history behind it. The program started in 2016 with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Program Overview
EduHam has provided hundreds of thousands of high school students in the United States with the opportunity to engage in an innovative curriculum about the Founding Era and to attend the musical Hamilton. The program’s early years were a tremendous success as thousands of students from more 1,300 schools in New York City and tour locations completed the primary source-based curriculum and attended Hamilton performances.
The Hamilton Education Program combines theatrical experiences with rigorous historical study and creative expression. Grade 6-12 educators receive curriculum materials that include primary source documents related to Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Era of the United States. Students in grades 6-12 conduct research using the primary source documents provided, gaining insights into the historical figures and events depicted in the musical. They can then create original performance pieces inspired by the primary source materials they have studied. Following Miranda’s process, students will create their own performance pieces. As they analyze primary sources and Hamilton song lyrics, they will develop literacy strategies for reading complex texts.
EduHam Online: Expanding Access
In the fall of 2019, EduHam went digital and the EduHamOnline program was launched. The Hamilton Education Program expanded to include an online curriculum primarily to reach a broader audience of students beyond those who could physically attend the live performances in theaters. The online curriculum promotes inclusivity by reaching students from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations.
Read also: Navigating Hamilton College
The innovative platform brings American history to life through video content, a vast research library, and educational resources. When you create your free account, you will be able to access the Hamilton Education Program curriculum.
Curriculum and Activities
Students will learn how Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, incorporated primary sources into the songs he wrote for the show. Students in grades 6-12 conduct research using the primary source documents provided, gaining insights into the historical figures and events depicted in the musical. They can then create original performance pieces inspired by the primary source materials they have studied. Grade 6-12 educators receive curriculum materials that include primary source documents related to Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Era of the United States.
Access and Participation
Any student, teacher, or parent can participate in the online EduHam program. You will have access to the research library and curricula and can also enter the competition or lottery to win a chance to see the show in person. Create a free Gilder Lehrman account to access all the curricular materials. You can also share a classroom account with your students or children. In doing so, you’ll unlock an alternative way to teach history. Title I-eligible high schools and middle schools in and near New York City are eligible to participate in the in-person program. When your students complete the curriculum, they can attend a student matinee of Hamilton and a cast Q&A.
EduHam at Home
EduHam at Home was created in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak that forced school closures throughout the country. It is an extension of the Hamilton Education Program (EduHam), which has served more than 160,000 students across the country since 2016. Knowing that many families and young people will be learning at home for a while, Disney is showcasing some of the most popular parts of Disney Theatrical’s free education programs. Lincoln Center’s new portal enables families and communities to keep the performing arts front and center. A compilation of national resources intended to give you your Broadway fix at home. Content for kids of all ages and all free.
Resumption of In-Person Programs
After the closures and disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadway and many theaters across the United States began to reopen in mid-to-late 2021.
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Impact and Community
"Using this program the past two years has totally changed the way I approach analyzing primary sources in a way that my kids are 100% engaged. I cannot say enough good things about this program. Ham4Progress is a community highlighting social justice causes, a gathering place for meaningful discussion, and a platform for organizations we want to support and progress we want to make.
Read also: Education in Hamilton
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