Discovering our American Spirit: Finding Common Ground in the National Pastime

Welcome to the Electronic Field Trip "Discovering Our American Spirit: Finding Common Ground in the National Pastime." This field trip uses the history of early baseball as a window into American life in the 19th Century.

Take a front row seat on the wooden bleachers of a windswept field where baseball provides a virtual view of our country’s character. Journey back in time to discover a young land as its enterprising soul comes of age in the villages and towns of 19th century America. Follow the exploration of a western frontier after an anguishing Civil War to see how natives and naturalized citizens forge a familiar pastime while learning each other’s customs and cultures.

Join students across the globe in a vintage game of Town Ball where every base represents moments or milestones in crafting a collective identity known as the American Spirit. From the melting pot to the meeting places of the 1800s, men and women, immigrants and Indians, people of all colors, come together to create a new game and a new nation at the same time.

Button up your wool jersey, lace up your leather high-tops and put on a pillbox cap for a turn at bat that will start every student racing around the base paths to a bygone era.

Teacher's role
As an educator, you play a vital role in guiding your students through this field trip. On this site are all the resources you need: activities to use in the classroom, information on viewing the live broadcast, and even a discussion forum to talk with other teachers about how you're using these materials in your school.