Ms. D’Orazio: Adrienne_M_D’Orazio@mcpsmd.org
Springbrook High School
AP US History Summer Assignment
Welcome to AP United States History! We am looking forward to meeting you in August and hope you are
enjoying your summer so far! In preparation for this college-level course, it is our expectation that you
complete a summer assignment. Please read the following information very carefully. If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact Ms. D’Orazio via email as soon as possible. Do not procrastinate! This
GRADED assignment will be very difficult to complete properly if you wait until the last minute!
Task:
You are required to visit a historical site or museum. This site or museum must pertain to the time period
ranging from colonial times through 1865. This can be a local visit (within the DC/Baltimore area) or, if you are
travelling this summer, anywhere in the United States. Take the time to read the writing prompts and
requirements BEFORE your visit, so you are prepared! Points will be deducted for failure to follow directions.
The following are required as evidence of your visit:
1. Take a brochure from the site.
OR
2. Take any other artifacts that show proof of your attendance such as ticket stubs, wrist bands,
souvenirs, etc. are acceptable if brochures are unavailable.
3. Take a picture of yourself at the site.
Write an essay summarizing your visit to the site or museum. Read over these prompts in advance!
Your essay must include the following:
1) Introduction (location, why you picked that site, historical time period, any other background you
wish to include)
2) What you learned on your visit.
3) Why this particular historical site is significant in United States History.
4) What was the most interesting exhibit or most interesting activity? Why?
5) How were your preconceptions (of the time period, the events, the place, etc.) changed by your
visit?
6) Identify at least two primary sources** that you discovered while visiting your site/museum.
7) How did these sources contribute to your understanding of United States History?
8) Conclusion (Would you go back to the site? Would you recommend it to a friend? Was the
experience worthwhile? Why? Any other information you would like to add.)
**Examples of Primary Sources- letters, diary entries, photos, artifacts such as specific items in an exhibit,
official documents, newspaper articles, etc.
Essay requirements:
1. Type in 12pt font and double space your work.
2. Minimum: 500 words Maximum: 1000 words (use word count and write your final number at the end of
your essay)
3. Write in paragraph form.
Turn in your essay, your picture, and your brochure/artifact.
Due Date: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
Suggested local historical sites and museums
***Remember, your visit must pertain to the time periods ranging from Colonial
Times through the Civil War (1865)!***
Washington DC Metro Area:
American History Museum
Lincoln Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
US Capital Building
Custis Lee Mansion
Bull Run Battlefield
White House
Old Stone House
Ford’s Theater
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
Other sites within driving distance:
Fort McHenry
USS Constellation
Gettysburg Battlefield
Antietam Battlefield
Jamestown
Yorktown
Mt. Vernon Estate
Fort Washington
Colonial Williamsburg
Chancellorsville Battlefield
Harper’s Ferry
Remember, these are just possibilities for your visit, so do not allow this list to
limit you. Have fun with this assignment and enjoy yourselves!