Program Story
The Hamilton Education Program began as a partnership between the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Hamilton, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
2015
Hamilton Education Program Launches at the White House
The Hamilton Education Program was created to bring civics to life for high school students in response to a 2014 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessment—only 1 in 10 students demonstrated knowledge proficiency in US history. The goal was to integrate American history education with the arts by allowing high school students from Title I–eligible schools (schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families) to experience the musical and delve into the history behind it. Students study primary source documents related to Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Era, culminating in their own creative performances inspired by what they have learned.
2016–2019
1300 Schools across the United States Take Part
The program’s early years were a tremendous success as thousands of students from more 1,300 schools in New York City and tour locations completed the primary source–based curriculum and attended Hamilton performances. The Hamilton Education Program provided an immersive educational experience combining history, art, and performance, allowing students to engage deeply with the story of Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Era through Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton.
2019
EduHam Online Brings the Curriculum into Classrooms Nationwide
The Hamilton Education Program expanded to include an online curriculum primarily to reach a broader audience of students beyond those who could physically attend the live performances in theaters. The online curriculum promotes inclusivity by reaching students from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations. It ensures that all students have access to high-quality educational resources related to American history and the arts.
2022
Post Covid: The In-Person Program Resumes
After the closures and disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadway and many theaters across the United States began to reopen in mid-to-late 2021. In-person matinees resumed for the Hamilton Education Program in 2022.
2024
The Redesigned EduHam Website Is Launched
The Hamilton Education Program evolved and grew for nearly a decade. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History listened to and learned from the hundreds of thousands of students and teachers who participated, deciding to relaunch the program website to combine historical education with modern digital engagement, and making it even easier for any educator and learner to use. The innovative platform brings American history to life through video content, a vast research library, and educational resources. It is accessible and engaging for students of all backgrounds and learning styles.