South Carolina: An Experiment in Freedom

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

When the Union Army takes control of Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina, they have the challenge of what to do with over 1,000 freed slaves that remained behind. General Mitchel proposes that they form their own town – governed and run by the ex-slaves themselves. This is a bold move, to be sure – but one that brings with it surprising success.

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.

23 min

Topics: Big Events Courage Geography History

American Samoa: Where Important Things Live

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

22 min

Massachusetts: The Power of Thanksgiving

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

17 min

Kansas: The Rivalry

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

19 min

California: Following Your Friends

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

27 min

Ohio: The View from Above

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

27 min

West Virginia: Follow Your Own Noon

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

15 min

Oklahoma: Migrant Mother

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

23 min

Guam: The Radioman

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

21 min

Illinois: Crossing the River

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

17 min

Rhode Island: The Cohen Family Mirth Makers

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

19 min

Indiana: Geodes and Gnomes

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

26 min

Connecticut: My Daughter Can

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

25 min

Nebraska: The Omaha Claim Club

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

19 min

Northern Mariana Islands: Whats Ours is Yours (and What's Yours is Ours)

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

27 min

American Virgin Islands: The Teacher and the King

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

23 min

Puerto Rico: Hoy Vieques

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

19 min

Washington DC: The Dress

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

18 min

Hawaii: The Queens

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

20 min

Alaska: A Mountain to Conquer

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

25 min

Arizona: Finding Planet X

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

18 min

New Mexico: Running for the Rebellion

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

35 min

Utah: Eyes of the Earth

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

26 min

Wyoming: The Golden Rule

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

27 min

Idaho: A Brave Day Indeed

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

31 min

Washington: Follow the Morning

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

28 min

Montana: The Marriage Bar

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

28 min

South Dakota: Trying to Do Some Good

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

28 min

North Dakota: Snow Dancing

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

23 min

Colorado: One Hundred and One Nights

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

36 min

Nevada: The Telegram

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

19 min

Oregon: We Will Vote

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

21 min

Minnesota: This House

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

16 min

Wisconsin: Love Finds You

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

20 min

Iowa: The Farmer's Holiday

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

23 min

Texas: Natural Beauty

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

35 min

Florida: Of Paradise and Peril

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

26 min

Michigan: The Gotham Hotel

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

32 min

Arkansas: Throwing Curve Balls

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

27 min

Missouri: The Rainbow Bridge

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

22 min

Maine: From the Ashes

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

21 min

Alabama: It Is Rocket Science

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

25 min

Mississippi: Boll Weevil and the Blues

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

32 min

Louisiana: Gumbo and the Petticoat Insurrection

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

18 min

Tennessee: One of Us

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

18 min

Kentucky: Electrification

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

25 min

Vermont: The Gift of the Dragon

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

22 min

North Carolina: You Are Not Your Father

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

24 min

New York: All Have Our Part

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

39 min

Virginia: Twigs and Trees

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

23 min

New Hampshire: A Meeting On the Green

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

29 min

Delaware: People Like Me

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

29 min

Maryland: The Test Oath

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

19 min

Georgia: All in Translation

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

24 min

New Jersey: Miss Barton's Free School

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

16 min

Pennsylvania: Three Men and a Bell

FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories

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

31 min

South Carolina: An Experiment in Freedom

Get our Newsletter

Stay Connected