Seeing America

Seeing America was created by Smarthistory with 16 leading museums and examines the long history of the United States, from before European settlers to the modern era.

All teaching guides

Guides to help your students explore works of art as primary documents (more coming soon).

All videos + essays

Firelei Báez, <em>Untitled (A Correct Chart of Hispaniola with the Windward Passage)</em>
Firelei Báez, Untitled (A Correct Chart of Hispaniola with the Windward Passage)

A partially obscured figure crouches over a historical map of Hispaniola in an act of anticolonial resistance.

Frank Lloyd Wright, Bachman-Wilson House
Frank Lloyd Wright, Bachman-Wilson House

This building is a beautiful testament to Wright's vision of affordable and unique domestic architecture.

Childe Hassam, <em>Allies Day, May 1917</em>
Childe Hassam, Allies Day, May 1917

Hassam's Impressionist painting provides a visual form of optimism on the very brink of America’s entry into the First World War.

Mel Casas, <em>Humanscape 70 (Comic Whitewash)</em>
Mel Casas, Humanscape 70 (Comic Whitewash)

Through heroes like Captain America and Superman, Casas explores the relationship between media and identity.

Explore the diverse history of the United States through its art. Seeing America is funded by the Terra Foundation for American Art and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.