Participant's Guide to the
Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute
in Early American History
2008

Welcome to the 2008 Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute!

We are delighted to have you join us and hope you look forward to an exciting week of learning about the early years of our nation’s history. This guide will answer many of the questions you may have concerning the Institute. If you need additional information or clarification, please do not hesitate to call us at (757) 565-8417.

Goals for the Week

As a result of attending the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute, you will be able to:

• Identify and analyze significant 17th- and 18th-century economic, political, and social events that led to independence.
• Explore how Native American, European, and African interactions shaped and defined the American character.
• Investigate the lifestyles of various social levels in 18th-century America, including the gentry, middling sort, tradespeople, merchants, soldiers, women, and slaves.
• Explore the challenges faced in founding a new nation.
• Use primary sources and technology resources to learn about events leading to the American Revolution and the events’ effects on the daily lives of individuals from the various social levels.