A collage is a collection of papers or fabrics, usually mounted on poster board or canvas. Making a history collage can reflect artistic expression or serve as a study aid. For history students, a collage is an ideal way of displaying primary and secondary sources, from photographs and timelines to keywords and article extracts, to visually organize notes or store research materials.
Political History
If you're interested in political history, consider making a collage on the development of the U.S. Constitution. Combine texts from speeches and debates or the Constitution itself with pictures of those present at the Constitutional Convention. Alternatively, research a specific political figure in history, like the U.S. President. Include images of presidents, extracts from speeches, election dates or assassination attempts, like the fatal shooting of President John Kennedy in 1963.
Military History
Military history offers many images and words to combine in a collage. Focus on America's break from Great Britain thorough documents like the Declaration of Independence or events like the Boston Tea Party. Make a collage about World War Two, using images and newspaper reports of the attack on Pearl Harbor or gather information about life on the American Home Front.
Economic History
An economic history collage focus on could look at the Great Depression beginning 1929 with the stock market crash and its effect on America and Europe. Use moving images of unemployment lines and reflections of people's lowered standard of living. Alternatively, focus on the Industrial Revolution, including the introduction of the factory system and working conditions, housing and wages.
Social History
For a social history collage, depict the Civil Rights movement. Focus on specific individuals, like Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks, or demonstrations like the 1966 "March Against Fear" of African-American U.S. Air Force veteran and Columbia Law School student, James Meredith. Document the movement for women's suffrage from its origin at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, specific suffragists like Carrie Chapman Catt, or the passing of the 19th Amendment giving women the right the vote in 1920.
