Using HistoryLink
HistoryLink.org is a free, online encyclopedia of Washington state history. Our essays tell the stories of the people, places, and events that have formed the history of this great state. Educators can use them to learn more about the subject areas you are teaching to your students. Students can search our databases to find information and sources for further exploration.
NEW! Japanese Americans of Washington State and Their Allies
Engage students with HistoryLink’s biographical essays on Japanese Americans—and their allies–-who have lived and contributed to the history of Washington State.
Resources for the classroom
You might want to use audio-enhanced essays to have students experience and interpret the value of hearing real voices describe their personal experiences with historical events or persons, or learn how to use the Today in Washington History feature to understand how individual events have contibued to the development of our state, or to find the history of specific counties and towns. You can also share our tips for students directly with your classes.
Resources for Younger Students
HistoryLink wanted elementary students and other beginning readers to be able to read essays found in this encyclopedia too so HistoryLink Elementary was created. Selected essays were rewritten at a lower reading level. They feature important persons, places, and events in Washington state history.
Resources for Teaching Tribal History
To make it easier for you to fulfill the new State requirement to incorporate tribal history into social studies curricula, we have put together a set of resource lists identifying essays on HistoryLink that explore Washington’s tribal history.
Textbook Supplements
HistoryLink developed supplements for commonly used textbooks identifies essays that can provide relevant details to expand or augment classroom discussion or activities for topics covered in each chapter.
Washington: Our Home Supplement
Washington: A State of Contrasts Supplement
History Education Resources
Field Trip Opportunities
Museums and historical sites across the state offer opportunities for your students to experiences the places where history has happened. Check out our listing of field trip opportunities across the state.
Primary and Secondary Sources Guide
Teachers and students can use our primary and secondary sources guide to learn how to differentiate between the two types of sources and find links to primary source repositories that area available online and in archives.
