Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of the historical events and figures depicted in the musical Hamilton.

Materials and Prep

• Access to the Hamilton soundtrack or lyrics
• Internet access for research
• Pen and paper for note-taking

Activities

1. Listen to the Songs

   Start by listening to the songs from the Hamilton soundtrack. Pay attention to the lyrics and try to identify the historical events and figures being portrayed. Take notes on any unfamiliar references.

2. Research the Historical Context

   Choose one song that particularly interests you and research the historical context behind it. Find out more about the events, people, and time period it represents. Take notes on key details and connections to real history.

3. Create a Timeline

   Using your notes and additional research, create a timeline of the major events depicted in Hamilton. Include important dates, key figures, and brief descriptions of each event. Be sure to highlight the connections between the musical and actual historical events.

4. Reflect and Discuss

   Take some time to reflect on the historical accuracy of Hamilton. Discuss with a family member or friend who is also familiar with the musical. Share your findings, opinions, and any discrepancies you noticed between the musical and historical facts.

Ninth Grade Talking Points

• "Hamilton is a Broadway musical that combines hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States."
• "The musical explores Hamilton's life, from his early days as an immigrant to his role in the American Revolution and the creation of the United States government."
• "Hamilton also highlights the contributions and stories of other historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr."
• "The show uses creative license to condense and dramatize events, but it is grounded in historical research and aims to educate and entertain."
• "Hamilton has been praised for its diverse cast, which reflects the multicultural society of America today and helps to make history more relatable and accessible to a wider audience."