Instructify

Ever wondered just how big John Hancock’s signature is in real life? No? Well then. But you probably have wanted to see the original Declaration of Independence. Or how about the Gettysburg Address? With Footnote, you can browse America’s landmark historical documents online for free.

Having your students read Abe Lincoln’s hen scratch in the Gettysburg Address can make history more immediate for them. Also, users can add and read annotations in the document that clarify faded or sloppily written text–a possible project for your class. You’ll wish the typewriter had been invented much earlier after you squint through the Bill of Rights.

Footnote has compiled original documents from all areas of American history. To access items such as copies of George Washington’s correspondence or papers from the Continental Congress, you’ll have to either buy pictures of the documents individually ($2) or get an all-access pass ($10 per month). But the American Milestone Documents are totally free, and should provide your American History class more than enough content to look through. –BILL FERRIS

Footnote