Colonial Williamsburg Introduces Citizens Edition of "The Idea of America" Digital History and Civics Program

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A citizens edition of Colonial Williamsburg's interactive, fully digital, Web-based program "The Idea of America" is now available for those who want to explore the history they may have missed in high school or want to be better informed on the principles that still guide our republic today. "The Idea of America Citizens Edition" enables participants to look at history in a new way – by exploring key American values presented in 65 individual case studies of the nation's most important historical events, debating issues that shaped America.

Four pairs of contrasting American values – unity and diversity, private wealth and common wealth, law and ethics, and freedom and equality – are presented to guide the discussion of each case study. Users can create a journal or blog entry and may also join a discussion on www.iCitizenForum.com, Colonial Williamsburg's website that facilitates discussion about issues that are important to American citizens.

The citizens version of "The Idea of America" differs from the classroom version in that there is no teacher guide or interactive connection between teachers and students or between classrooms – and there are no grades! The case studies cover American history from 1607 to the present day and include video introductions, historical photos and video footage, eyewitness accounts and interviews, glossaries and games. In addition, primary sources of enduring significance such as newspapers, works of art, diaries, journal entries, speeches and wills also are included in the curriculum. Users may purchase an annual subscription for the entire set of 65 case studies for $99, or individual case studies for $5 each.

For a description of all 65 case studies or to purchase a subscription to "The Idea of America Citizens Edition," visit www.history.org/tioa-citizens or www.williamsburgmarketplace.com.

SOURCE Colonial Williamsburg Foundation