Lighthouses and Our Nation

Why are the stories of lighthouses important to understanding the history of our country?

In this episode, children dive into the history of lighthouses in the United States,

…uncovering how these structures guided ships and protected coastlines for centuries. Using fascinating historical documents from the Library of Congress, students explore the importance of the 1789 Lighthouse Act—one of the first laws passed by Congress—and the key role lighthouse keepers played in ensuring safe navigation.

Children will closely observe and analyze authentic primary sources, including historical maps, documents, and photographs, to piece together the story of lighthouses. They will also engage in fun, interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

"Lighthouses and the Nation" is designed for K-2 children and typically takes about 10-15 minutes to play. It’s ideal for teacher-facilitated interactions in small groups or whole class settings, with options for students to revisit individually or in small groups. For educators, the Teacher’s Guide offers ideas for implementation and additional resources.

This episode, like all KidCitizen episodes, is free for students and teachers with support from the Library of Congress. It is available on Macs, PCs, Chromebooks, and iOS or Android tablets—no sign-in required!

Citations

Berson, I. R., Berson, M. J., & Snow, B. (2024). Lighthouses and Our Nation [App]. Newburyport, MA: Bert Snow & Co. Retrieved from KidCitizen, a Congress, Civic Participation, and Primary Sources Project from the Library of Congress, https://www.kidcitizen.net/