curriculum
The Milwaukee Soldiers Home, on the grounds of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center overlooking American Family Field, was built in 1867 as a place of healing for veterans returning from the Civil War. Since then, thousands of Wisconsin veterans have called it their safe haven.
One of only 43 National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin, the Soldiers Home contains some of the oldest and most historic buildings in the VA system. Though many of its buildings remain in use, some of the District’s most iconic buildings were vacant and deteriorating, launching an effort to rehabilitate key buildings and return them to their original purpose - the service of veterans.
With the following lessons, students will learn about the rich history of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home, our connection to Abraham Lincoln, the women who made it all possible, and the importance of historic preservation.
Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and the National Soldiers Home: A Legacy of Healing
Grade Level:
Middle School (Grades 7-9)
Duration:
2 class periods (50 minutes each)
Subject:
Social Studies / English
Language Arts
Wisconsin State Standards:
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SS.Hist2.c.m Analyze how the historical context influenced the process or nature of the continuity or change that took place.
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SS.Hist4.a.m Explain how the historical context (situation) influences a primary or secondary source.
LESSON 1
Discovering the Women Founders of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home
Grade Level:
Middle School (Grades 7-9)
​
Duration:
1 class period (50 minutes)
​
Subject:
Social Studies / English
Language Arts
​
Wisconsin State Standards:
-
SS.Hist2.c.m: Analyze how the historical context influenced the process or nature of the continuity or change that took place.
LESSON 2
A Hallowed Home for Heroes
Grade Level:
Middle School (Grades 7-9)
​
Duration:
2 class periods (50 minutes each)
​
Subject:
Social Studies / English
Language Arts
​
Wisconsin State Standards:
-
SS.Hist2.c.m: Analyze how the historical context influenced the process or nature of the continuity or change that took place.
LESSON 3
ARE YOU USING THIS CURRICULUM?
We would love to hear from you! Please email savethesoldiershome@gmail.com with your name and the name of your school!
THANK YOU
A special thank you to local educator and Milwaukee Preservation Alliance volunteer, Jackie Jecha, for leading the development of this curriculum and piloting its use in her own classroom.