Frequently Asked Questions
What is the State Chronicles Program?
It’s an initiative to reinvigorate and refresh the teaching and learning of civics and state history as a legacy of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The State Chronicles project is committed to creating digital and print resources for use in schools and at home wrapped in a Professional Development program for educators designed around the concept of helping students create a state history museum in their schools at Elementary and Junior High levels. Our aim is to ensure that all communities will see their own history in this program but can’t avoid the histories of others. In this way empathy and an ability to understand history from diverse perspectives will be a key educational legacy of the America250 commemorations in 2026.
What is the goal of the program?
State history resources are frequently tired and out-of-date. The program aims to engage children in their own histories, as well as those of other communities in their state, creating a shared sense of responsibility and enthusiasm about the future America that they will build together. It seeks to develop the critical thinking skills necessary in young students from 4th grade and above for respectful debate while teaching democratic principles.
What are the resources?
Each of the 6 states will have a new book called The [State Name] Chronicles. This book will feature more than 60 newspaper-style articles, a 100-moment timeline, state history factfile, places to visit and honor roll. More than 50 QR codes throughout will link students to the best enrichment resources available online. Our goal is to develop the content in partnership with state 250 commissions and their constituent communities and museums. The content of each hardback book will also be available as a newspaper for individual use by students. A giant timeline will be created for display on school walls. A teacher guide will help educators use the resources across a wide range of student activities that will culminate in the creation of a school’s own, individual state history museum. All resources will be available as digital downloads as well as traditional printed materials.
Who’s behind it?
The program is being funded by the Bridgewater State University Foundation. The resources are being created by non-fiction children’s book publishing company What on Earth Publishing. The State Chronicles team includes highly experienced publishing professionals, educators, project managers and representatives of diverse communities.
How is it being implemented?
The program has already begun work on creating the resources starting with a new edition of The Massachusetts Chronicles, which was originally devised for the 1620-2020 Plymouth400 commemorations. Samples are available to download here. The other state chronicles will follow the template of this 72-page book/newspaper, a giant timeline and teacher guide available all available digitally and in print.
What’s the role of each state’s America 250 Commission?
All the hard work for creating the resources for each State Chronicle will be done by the State Chronicles project team. However, to realize the full potential of the project, and to ensure these histories are told in a way that fully represents the communities, educators, museums and cultural institutions in each state, we are seeking the cooperation of each State Commission in four important ways:
1. To identify resources and provide links to materials that could be helpful or essential to the creation of the content for each state chronicle.
2. To comment and give feedback on initial page layouts for each state chronicle.
3. To review and give feedback on final proofs.
4. To promote the availability of these resources to educators as part of the state commissions program.
What does this all cost?
Digital downloads of all the resources for the first 6 State Chronicles will be created free of charge and will be available for use across all schools and students throughout the states in perpetuity. This is the result of an extremely generous donation made by the Bridgewater State University Foundation.
Will the resources be available in print?
The State Chronicles team will also make all resources available in print, however these will a purchasable option. Printed hardback books will cost $24.99, staple-bound newspaper editions $10, giant laminated state history timelines for school display will be $49.99 and the teacher guides $9.99.
Can schools benefit from discounted prices?
Yes! States that wish to purchase bulk resources may wish to consider becoming a Premier Partner of the State Chronicles project. This option can be exercised at any time before the 2026 anniversary. Premier Partners benefit from a 50% discount on all printed products, with prices fixed and guaranteed through the end of 2026. The State Chronicles team will also facilitate the hosting of a State History Bee based on the content of the chronicles. Click here for further details on how this works. The cost of becoming a Premier Partner state has been fixed at a one-time charge of $50,000 – this funding helps underwrite an initial print run of materials that makes the 50% discount possible.
How do I raise funds to become a Premier Partner?
The State Chronicles team has a dedicated team member on hand to help state commissions with fund-raising. Funds can come from State Commission budgets, from education department funds, or from corporate donations or individual benefactors. All funds will be donated to the Bridgewater State University Foundation which is a registered nonprofit 501c3.
When will the resources be available?
The first resources to be completed will be The Massachusetts Chronicles. This will be available in its final form at the end of August 2024. Other states’ resources will be developed in batches, with 6 states complete by summer 2025. Please contact us directly for a more detailed, up-to-date product development schedule.
What happens if my State Commission is NOT one of the first 13 states?
We would be pleased to discuss options with any state commission that would like to partner with us to develop a State Chronicles program. Funding will be required to develop the resources, but we stand ready to facilitate in any way we can. If you want the resources ready for 2026, then it’s essential that discussions begin as soon as possible. Please contact us.
What happens if my state commission does NOT want to be involved?
If any of the America 250 state commissions do not wish to be involved with the State Chronicles program, then we absolutely respect that decision. However, as we have an obligation to develop the materials, we will develop the resources as best we can directly with the government and board of education, if they are willing to collaborate, and with whichever state historical or cultural institutions, tribes and other organizations may wish to participate with us.
How can I find out more?
Please contact us anytime and we will respond immediately. We look forward to hearing from you!