During both World War I and II, many resources like food were scarce because America needed to focus on getting our soldiers the resources they needed to win the war. During those times, people were encouraged to grow “Victory Gardens” to lesson the strain on the commercial food supply, ensure that everyone had access to nourishment, and provide a morale boost by allowing Americans on the home front to aid the war effort (and loved ones who were soldiers fighting far from home).

The Civil Defense Administration educated and reassured all Americans that they could survive an atomic attack from the Soviet Union. This included children who received lessons from Bert the Turtle on how to "duck and cover" to protect themselves. In this program, students view 1950s civil defense artifacts and vie for supplies in a fallout shelter game.

Have you ever heard of a "tank bank" or "Schools at War"?  Through hands-on examination of primary sources, students will learn how life for American kids was impacted during World War II. This program is a memorable exercise for students learning to answer essential questions with primary source evidence.

When America's men left to fight with the Allies in World War II, women were recruited through posters and other propaganda to work at non-traditional jobs in defense plants and factories. Many women had always held jobs outside the home, but this was the first time they were being paid well and taught skilled labor. Many other women had not held a paying job outside of their home and this was a new experience to earn money for their hard work. These "Rosie the Riveters" proved their abilities to America and themselves and have not looked back since.