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FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

New Jersey: Miss Barton’s Free School

Clara Barton wanted to teach all children — not just the children from families that could afford to pay her. So when she learned of the “Free School” movement where state and local governments paid for school rather than the individual families, she saw her future. With hard work and perseverance, she was able to create the first Free School in New Jersey — and much to everyone’s surprise, it was a huge success. This victory, however, eventually led to Miss Barton’s removal and sent her on an entirely new trajectory: to form the American Red Cross.

Note: Though this is historical fiction and the characters have been developed to accommodate a story, their attributes and development may be useful as reference points and inspirations.

16 MINUTES

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Sparkle Schoolhouse FIFTY Study Page: New Jersey — “Miss Barton’s Free School”
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Public Education in America, and of the American Red Cross.
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FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

Delaware: People Like Me

In this story based in Delaware, we learn about the American Experiment through the experience of ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things.

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FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

Pennsylvania: Three Men and a Bell

In this story based in Pennsylvania, we learn about the American Experiment through the experience of ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things.

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31 MINUTES
8+
FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

Georgia: All in Translation

In this story based in Georgia, we learn about the American Experiment through the experience of ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things.

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25 MINUTES
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