| Laboratory | History | Geography | Art & Music | Science | Languages | Math | Skills and How-To | Just for Kids |
The Very Best of Dr. Brain 
Recommend a Site |
 Dr. Brain finds and rates the best History learning sites on the Web As of 05 December 2002, There are 27 History Learning Site Reviews on Doctor Brain's Laboratory!
|
Dr. Brain's Directory of Sites 
Free Downloads and Cool Sites |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of 29 July 2002, there are 26 History learning site reviews on Dr. Brain's Laboratory |
|||||||||
| Ancient | Australia | Europe | Medieval | Canada | United States | US Civil War | Renaissance | Victorian Era | World |
|
History -> Ancient |
|||
|
|
Site: Ancient Egypt Discovery Case Author: Royal Ontario Museum URL: http://www.rom.on.ca/egypt/case/ The "Discovery Case" of this site's title is an interactive treasure chest loaded with beautifully-presented information on dozens of subjects relating to Ancient Egypt. Aimed at older students and adults, with a teacher's area and links to resources. Dr. Brain says, "This one's a keeper!" Tip: During the school year, you can click the question mark icon at the bottom of the menu to "Ask an Egyptologist." Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: The Romans Author: BBC URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/ This is the place to learn about Rome, whether you're a middle-grade student or an adult with an active sense of adventure. Lots and lots of content everywhere, with a timeline, fun facts, pop-up glossary definitions, printable activities galore, and a teachers and parents' area. Dr. Brain is impressed. Tip: At the bottom of each subject page are links to "More to Explore," with even more interesting stuff, and a quiz about the page's contents. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
| |
|
|
Site: The Ancient Greek World Author: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology URL: http://www.museum.upenn.edu/Greek_World/Index.html Beautifully-designed and executed site about numerous aspects of Ancient Greece, from Geography, Economy, and Religion, to details of everyday life. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: The Roman Empire in the First Century Author: Public Broadcasting System URL: http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/index.html Created as a companion site to the PBS series of the same name, these pages contain a wealth of historical, cultural, and literary information, as well as links to other classroom resources. And it's gorgeous to look at, too. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: Collapse: Why do Civilizations Fall? Author: Annenberg/CPB URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/mayans.html This great site discusses the fall of four once-great civilizations now known to us only through ruins: the Maya, Mesopotamia, Chaco Canyon, and Mali & Songhai. Interactive hands-on explorations in two of the units, and lots of archaeological web resources for further study. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
Try it Three Months for Free! |
Site: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Author: Alaa K. Ashmawy. URL: http://ce.eng.usf.edu/pharos/wonders/ Not exactly interactive in the best sense, but thoroughly interlinked to photos, ancient texts, directories of links and resources about the ancient world. Lots of great information if you don't get lost in all the links. Tip: Links to the "seven wonders" are contained in the illustration at the top of the page. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
Site: Akhet Egyptology Author: Iain Hawkins Interlinked lessons about many aspects of Ancient Egyptian life. Lots of pages, with lots of photos. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
Site: A History of the Roman Legions Author: Andrew Brozyna URL: http://www.redrampant.com/history.html Lots of good historical information, presented clearly but plainly, with lots of individual pages and good color illustrations by the author. Tip: The site also contains information on cultures who interacted with the Roman Empire Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> Australia |
|||
|
|
Site: Documenting a Democracy URL: http://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/ A beautifully-presented and comprehensive site about the history of Australia through its documents. Dr. Brain is willing to bet that unless you actually are Australian you know very little about this fascinating, vital nation. Maybe it's time you learned. Explore via Places, Pathways (theme trails), a Timeline of events, or the Picture Album. There's a useful site directory, and a glossary of possibly unfamiliar words. Tip: Indigenous Australians are advised that this website may include images or names of people now deceased. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: Ned Kelly: Australian Iron Outlaw URL: http://www.ironoutlaw.com/ Ned Kelly (1854-1889) is Australia's most infamous folk hero, soon to be the subject of a major motion picture starring Australian actor Heath Ledger. This site unfolds the story and the legend of Ned and his gang in numerous well-designed and well-illustrated pages packed with information and entertainment. Dr. Brain says, "Don't miss this one!" Tip: The opening page, linked above, is not to be missed, but if the navigation confuses you, let us suggest this page for a clearer idea of the site structure. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: Australian History URL: http://www.austemb.org/history.htm A briefer history of Australia than Documenting a Democracy, above, this is nonetheless a good overview of the major points of Australian history from prehistory until 1901. Includes a timeline of events from 1901-1994. Tip: Indigenous Australians are advised that this website may include images or names of people now deceased. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: Joe Byrne: Lieutenant of the Kelly Gang Author: Mike Lawson URL: http://www.joeonline.tr.cx/ This site focuses on Ned Kelly's friend and lieutenant Joseph Byrne, a man whose role in the history of the famed Ned Kelly gang is usually undreplayed, according to the site's author. Painstakingly researched and illustrated with many old photographs, the site chronicles Joe's life (with more to come) and his association with Ned Kelly. Sections on Joe Byrne's unique armour, and the text of some historical documents are of interest. Viewers will certainly enjoy what's there now, but at present there's a lot promised but still missing, which Dr.Brain hopes will soon be remedied. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> Europe |
|||
|
|
Site: The Gunpowder Plot Author: The Gunpowder Plot Society URL: http://www.gunpowder-plot.org/ Guy Fawkes, often referred to as "the only man ever to enter Parliament with honest intentions," was the most celebrated (and most burned in effigy) of 13 conspirators in the "Gunpowder Plot" of 1605. If you have no idea what Dr. Brain is talking about, or if you want to learn more about 17th century English history, this is the place to start. The site hasn't been updated recently, and much seems to be promised that was never added, but you'll find quite a bit of info here, and some links to further study. Tip: A frames-only site. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> Medieval |
|||
|
|
Site: Middle Ages Author: Annenberg/CPB/Learner.org URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/ 7 beautifully-illustrated learning areas. Each page gives a brief overview, then offers a more detailed article from a link at the bottom. Here and there are mini-pictures leading to even more details. Medieval life at home, in towns, in the church, and much more. Tip: Don't ignore the link at bottom if you want more details than are offered on the first page of each learning area. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: The Middle Ages Author: Scott Rees URL: http://radiantworks.com/middleages/ This is a very brief overview of the Medieval period, its social and political systems, and everyday life. It's a good place to start if you're curious, and very well designed and illustrated with photographs and paintings. If it presented more material it would quickly earn a fourth brain in our ratings. Tip: The author is updating the site, so bookmark and come back from time to time. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> North America -> Canada |
|||
|
|
Site: Living Memory Author: National Archives of Canada/Archives Nationales du Canada URL: http://www.archives.ca/05/0509_e.html Explore the history of Canada by theme (First Peoples, New France, Women, etc.), by time period, or by media type. The site features links to historical art, maps, government records, manuscripts and more from the Canadian National Archives. Play games, unscramble puzzles, download a Canadian Treasures screensaver. Tip: Both broad and deep, this site's easy to get lost in, but well worth the trip. Pack a bag. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> North America -> United States |
|||
|
|
Site: The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory Author: Chicago Historical Society and Northwestern University URL: http://www.chicagohs.org/fire/intro/ "an online exhibition produced by the Chicago Historical Society and Academic Technologies of Northwestern University to mark the 125th anniversary of one of the most famous events in American history, as well as the most formative event in the history of Chicago," this site views an event of monumental historic significance from many different viewpoints, including eyewitness acconts, contemporary newspaper accounts, fiction, poetry, and art. Stunning depth and breadth of information, well-presented. Dr. Brain says "You'll learn why you should have learned more about the Great Chicago Fire. This is a real WOW of a site." Tip: Be sure to check out both ends of the site: The Great Chicago Fire and The Web of Memory. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: The Lost Museum Author: The Graduate Center of the City University of New York and others URL: http://www.lostmuseum.cuny.edu An ongoing interactive project dedicated to Barnum's American Museum, one of the cultural wonders of 19th century America, which was destroyed by fire on 13 July 1865. A visual and auditory feast for those with fast internet connections (a 'slow connection version is also available from the link above). Explore the 3-D virtual reality museum; open doors and drawers and cabinets. See the actual contents of the museum reproduced (with numerous links to related reasources), and launch your own investigation into the causes of the mysterious fire that destroyed this amazing piece of American history. Dr. Brain would like to give this one six brains! Tip: Use the arrows to move around in each section of the museum, and don't neglect the "Archive" link when it appears, for fascinating additional information. You can also browse the entire museum archives from the "Browse the Archives" link at the bottom of each museum page. Tip: Explore, explore, explore. Click on everything. And come back again, as the project continues to grow. This site is a winner of Dr. Brain's Big Brain Award Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery Author: WETA, Washington D.C. URL: http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/ Another of those wonderful PBS sites with lots of great information beautifully presented; a companion site to the Ken Burns series. 2003 marks the 200th anniversary of this daring and ambitious journey into the unknown. Site also includes classroom resources, and ever-changing content. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: American Cultural History: the 20th Century Author: Peggy Whitley, et al URL: http://www.nhmccd.edu/contracts/lrc/kc/decades.html Each decade of the 20th century is deeply explored in learning areas covering arts, technology, personalities and much more. Each area has many links to related information and related websites, and is illustrated with lots of period photographs. Tip: The links do not open into a new page, so be careful of getting away from the site. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: The Electric Franklin Author: Independence Hall Association URL: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/index.htm A little bit of everything about Benjamin Franklin, from a full text of his autobiography (and a shorter, 'good parts' version for student reports) and indexed Franklin quotes, through a reprint of the first issue of the New-England Courant, the first newspaper he worked on, through games and activities for students, two 360-degree VRML presentations. A great site for learning about early American history, and a streaming media video about the Electric Franklin project. Tip: Click everywhere; lots of info to be had here. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: Fort Nisqually Author: Scott Rees URL: http://reesbuilders.com/nisqually/ Fort Nisqually, originally a fur-trading post near present-day Tacoma, Washington, tells its story of British and Native American life in this lovely historical learning site. Illustrated with historical photos and great re-enactment photos by Mel Woods, it was created with the assistance of the Fort Nisqually Historical Site at http://www.fortnisqually.org/, where you can also find more info on Fort Nisqually and present day activities there. Tip: If you don't have a fast connection or lots of time to wait, you might want to use the "lite" version: http://reesbuilders.com/nisqually/fort2/fort.htm Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
||
|
History -> North America -> United States -> Civil War |
|||
|
|
Site: The Valley of the Shadow Author: Edward L. Ayers URL: http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/vshadow2/ Letters, diaries, maps, images, official records and more, in an interlinked archive that teaches about both the military and civilian sides of the U.S. Civil War, seen from both sides. Features animated maps of the theaters of war, which require the free Macromedia Shockwave Plug-in. Tip: The main historical content is accessed from three links at the bottom of the illustration at the top of the page. Click one of them and use the Site Index link at the left of the page to get a good idea of what's available. You can get lost in here, but it'll be a great trip. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|
Site: America's Civil War URL: http://www.fredericksburg.com/CivilWar/index_html Images, re-enactment videos, and music of the Civil War period are only a few of the features on this very comprehensive site. The battles of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg are dissected in detail, photos, and biographies of some prominent figures in the war, and more. Tip: Don't miss the "artifacts" link at the bottom of the page linked above. Letters and other objects from the period illustrated and explained. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> Renaissance |
|||
|
|
Site: Renaissance Author: Annenberg/CPB/Learner.org URL: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/ 5 beautifully-illustrated learning areas. Each page gives a brief overview, then offers a more detailed article from a link at the bottom. Here and there are mini-pictures leading to even more details. How the Renaissance affected exploration, trade, the arts, and much more. Tip: Don't ignore the link at bottom if you want more details than are offered on the first page of each learning area. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> Victorian Era |
|||
|
|
Site: The Victorian Web URL: http://65.107.211.206/vn/victorov.html A detailed and complex site featuring over a dozen major site areas, plus 15 main articles linked to numerous sub-articles and tidbits. Unless you are already an expert on this period, you'll learn things you never knew about the Victorians and their personal, creative, and intellectual worlds. Tip: From the page linked above, the articles are accessed through the text links on the left. The major site areas can be found by clicking the little Victoria button on the lower left. Happy Exploring! Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
History -> World |
|||
|
|
Site: The 20th Century: Conflict, Attitude, and Changing Religions Author: Frank E. Smitha 55 very detailed learning areas to deepen and broaded your knowledge of the events of the century just past. Linked historical maps keep you anchored geographically to the events. A very good site of its kind. Tip: Use the "Search This Site" link at the upper right of the page linked above to find a thematic index to all the material covered in these lessons. Very helpful if you're looking for particulars. Dr. Brain's Directory Top of Page |
|
|
|
|||
| Today's Science Headlines | Today's Front Page News | Today's Arts Headlines | ||
|
|
|
This page last updated on
Questions or Comments? Talk to Dr. Brain |
|
|
| Laboratory | History | Geography | Art & Music | Science | Languages | Math | Skills and How-To | Just for Kids |
