American History through Art

American History through Art Tour Description

5th grade, 8th grade, and HS American History classes

Reynolda’s collection of American art spans the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, with some recent 21st-century additions. This tour looks at American history through the portraits, landscapes, still-life and everyday scenes that can be “read” in the context of changing lifestyles over time. Students will also learn about the Reynolds family and historic Reynolda Estate. 

NC Standard Course of Study Connections: 

ELA: SL.5.1, SL.5.2, RL.5.2, SL.8.1, SL.8.2, RL.8.2

Social Studies: 5.B.1.1, 5.B.1.2, 5.G.1.1, 5.G.1.2, 5.G.1.4, 5.H.1.1, 5.H.1.2, 5.H.1.3, 5.H.1.4, 5.H.1.5, 5.H.1.6; 8.B.1.1, 8.G.1.1, 8.G.1.2, 8.G.1.5, 8.G.1.2, 8.G.1.3, 8.G.1.4, 8.G.1.5, 8.H.2.3, AH.B.1.6, AH.G.1.4, AH.H.1.2

Visual Arts: 5.CN.1.1, 5.CN.2.2, 5.PR.2.2, 5.RE.1.1, 5.RE.1.2, 5.RE.2.1, 5.RE.2.2, 8.RE.1.1, 8.RE.1.2, 8.RE.2.1

Learning objectives: Students who experience an American History through Art tour will be able to

• analyze works of art, through interactive discussion, written expression, and/or games
• determine and discuss intersections between the art collection and eras, key moments, and themes in American History
• discuss how artists create works in response to the world around them, and as part of the cultural conversation of the time and consider how art can be a primary source document
• practice visual literacy skills of observation and interpretation
• entertain and express different viewpoints, grounded in their observations in the works of art
• name ways art can express ideas of American identity

Location: Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Available: until December 12, 2025

Accommodates: 8-48 people

90 minutes

$3 + tax per student

Questions? Contact Julia Tanner, julia@reynolda.org

Optional art workshops ($6 plus tax per student for tour + workshop)

• Chalk prints
• Tissue paper landscape collage