Many valuable histories are not written in history books but are shared between family and friends from one generation to the next. Radcliffe Bailey’s work By the River uses images and objects that the artist inherited from his family to represent personal and historical narratives. Bailey’s stories offer perspectives on African-American history and contemporary life, but they are also deeply personal. This lesson allows students to explore the history of groups of people that either immigrated or were forcibly moved to the U.S. in the 18th or 19th century.

Note: References in this lesson are made to students doing parts of the lesson online. If computers are not available for student use, alternate options are given.