Thank you to our Contributors:

  • The staff at ATBHK
  • Thomas D. Clark Foundation
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Kentucky State University
  • Berea College
  • Kentucky Historical Society
  • Frazier Kentucky History Museum
  • The University Press of Kentucky (UPK)
  • Kentucky Department of Education
  • The Filson Historical Society

Lesson Plans for Educators

For Elementary School aged students

Daniel Goff & The American Revolution

Danilel Goff (PDF)

Daniel Goff & The American Revolution

In this lesson, students will explore the life and legacy of Daniel Goff, a Black American Revolution soldier. Centered on Kentucky history, this lesson highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black Kentuckians to the fight for American independence.

Using a variety of sources, students will investigate the role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War, with a special focus on Daniel Goff’s service and his lasting impact on local communities. Through guided discussion and reflective writing, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the American Revolution and the vital contributions made by Black Kentuckians in the war.

This lesson not only brings visibility to untold stories in Kentucky’s past but also encourages students to consider how history is recorded and remembered. By learning about Daniel Goff and other Black Kentuckians, students will be empowered to appreciate the diverse voices that have shaped our nation and our state.

KY Black Authors, Inventors, Musicians, & Visual Artists

KY Authors (PDF)
KY Inventors (PDF)
KY Musicians (PDF)
KY Visual Artist (PDF)

KY Black Authors; Kentucky Black Inventors; KY Black Musicians; and KY Black Visual Artists;

This four-lesson unit explores the question, “How have Black inventors, artists, and innovators contributed to Kentucky’s culture and history?” The unit draws from Dr. LaGarrett King’s principle of Black Joy, focusing on celebrating Black contributions to innovation, arts, and culture in Kentucky, and emphasizing their lasting impact. These lessons are intended for use with elementary grades 3-5, with differentiated resources and an incorporation with both social studies and English language arts standards to allow the most potential for inclusion in an elementary classroom.

What Makes a Kentucky Pioneer?

See Lesson Plan

What Makes a Kentucky Pioneer? – 5th Grade Inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of what it means to be a pioneer throughout history and today. It is important to note that this inquiry requires prerequisite knowledge of Native American history and source analysis tools.

In addressing the compelling question- What makes a Kentucky pioneer?- students work through a series of supporting questions, formative performance tasks, and featured sources in order to construct an argument with evidence while acknowledging multiple perspectives.

  • What is a pioneer?
  • How have pioneers impacted Kentucky’s history?
  • How do pioneers continue to impact Kentucky today?