Curriculum
The Greenwood Archaeology Curriculum, developed by Archaeology in the Community in collaboration with the MHTT Project Directors, offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the history and legacy of the Historic Greenwood District and other Black Towns across Oklahoma. Using tools from archaeology, mapping, photography, oral history, and multivocal storytelling, students embark on a journey to uncover the roots of Greenwood’s story.Designed for grades 11–12, the curriculum includes three units—Living the Dream, A Dream Deferred, and Restoring the Dream—each featuring three lesson plans. These lessons invite educators and students to step into the role of archaeologists, unearthing the past while engaging with themes of community resilience, remembrance, and restorative justice. Through this hands-on approach, students deepen their understanding of Greenwood’s lasting legacy and its relevance today.
Please review the trauma-informed guide before reading or sharing the curriculum.
Complete Curriculum
The complete curriculum that includes all three units: Living the Dream, A Dream Deferred, and Restoring the Dream.
1) Living the Dream
A detailed history of All-Black Towns in Oklahoma, the contributions of Black pioneers, and the early stories of Greenwood, integrated with student activities and aligned to common core standards.
2) A Dream Deferred
Explores the rising neighborhoods and businesses in Greenwood as well as the impact of the First Attack on Greenwood (Tulsa Race Massacre) in 1921. Analyzing both the event itself and the process of community restoration, integrated with student activities and aligned to common core standards.
3) Restoring the Dream
Follows the footsteps of Greenwood residents in the process of rebuilding as well as the process of learning to think like an archaeologist to piece the stories of this historic community back together. Integrated with student activities and aligned to common core standards.
4) Learn More Resources
A compiled list of resources connected to the MHTT project that highlight MHTT student research, sources on Trauma-Informed standards in Education, other mapping-based and restorative justice research projects, and additional sources highlighting Greenwood’s history.