African Americans in the Revolution Research
Poster Project!
Project Summary:
You will work in pairs to research an African American historical figure from the revolutionary war era. You will be
responsible for creating a poster board including the following project components: Pictures, quotations, biography,
significance to the Revolutionary War Era, significance to the African American Narrative, and a Timeline. There is a
possible 20 points extra credit which may be earned by giving an oral presentation to the class.
What is a Credible Source?
Research must be based on credible reference sources such as encyclopedias, academic articles, library references,
major new sources, museums, libraries, etc. Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable reference source.
Library Resource: http://udlibsearch.lib.udel.edu/highschools/index.html
What is My Topic?
Select one of the following historical figures for your Research Poster Project: Crispus Attucks, Salem Poor, James
Armistead, Prince Hall, Lemuel Haynes, Oscar Marion, Peter Salem, Colonel Tye, Prince Whipple, Phillis Wheatley,
Benjamin Banneker, James Durham, Jupiter Hammon, Josiah Bishop, Lemuel Haynes. You must select and sign up for a
historical figure.
What About Plagiarism?
Your will be responsible for submitting an electronic copy of the “Biography,” “Significance to the Revolutionary War
Era,” and “Significance to the African American Narrative” to www.turnitin.com. Further details will be posted online
2/6/13. Plagiarism will result in an automatic F for the project grade.
When is this Project Due?
Due Date: 2/13/13
How Much is this Project Worth?
This project is a 200 point test grade.
My Partner is: _________________________________________________________________
My Historical Figure is: _______________________________________________________
Project Components
______Written Information (100 Points)
______Biography (60 points): Include a 300-400 word biography of the identity, life events, and background of
your historical figure. Biography must include 3-5 different credible sources. Biography must be written in your
own words.
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Biography includes the individual’s full name, date of birth, birthplace, and date of death
The biography includes an introduction that provides an overall focus
The biography covers the individual’s main contributions
The biography focuses on the individual contributions that are relevant to the American Revolution.
The organization of the biography is clear and easy to follow
The biography is well written and the content flows smoothly from one idea to the next
The biography is free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
______Significance to the Revolutionary War Era (20 points):
In 2 sentences, summarize the significance of your historical figure to the Revolutionary War Era. (ex: (historical
figure) is significant to the Revolutionary War Era because…)
______Significance to the African American Narrative (20 Points):
In 2 sentences, summarize the significance of your historical figure to the African American Narrative. (ex:
(historical figure) is significant to the African American Narrative because…)
______Timeline: (50 Points)
______Create a timeline including the following events AND 5 events from your historical figure’s life.
______This timeline should include: The beginning of the French-Indian War, the End of the French Indian War,
The Stamp Act, The Sugar Act, the Townshend Acts, The Boston Tea Party, The Tea Act, The Boston Massacre,
The First Continental Congress, the Second Continental Congress, the Battle at Lexington and Concord, The
signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Beginning of the Revolutionary War, George Washington ends
recruitment of African Americans for Continental Army, Congress passes a resolution keeping the door open for
state militias to recruit African Americans(1775), Lord Dunmore offers freedom to slaves who fight for the
British, The Revolutionary War Ends
______Each event in the timeline must be labeled and include a year.
______Visual Appearance (30 points)
The poster is neat, organized, and complete. All information is clearly legible. There are no pencil marks. The poster
has a visually pleasing color scheme (1 or more colors).
______Title (5 points)
The name of your historical figure should be the title of your poster, and be clearly visible and recognizable.
______Quotations (5 points)
Include 1 quotation by your historical figure, or about your historical figure. Quotation must cite the source. Source (if it
is someone other than the historical figure), must be strong and credible.
______Picture of Historical Figure: (10 Points)
Include at least 1 picture of your historical figure.
Include 1 picture of African Americans participating in the Revolutionary War era struggle for freedom.
______Oral Presentation (+20 points extra credit)
Present poster to class for up to 10 points extra credit.