Louisa Keyser (Dat So La Lee, Washoe, c. 1850–1925), Beacon Lights, 1904–1905. Willow, western redbud, and bracken fern root, height 11 ¼ in., diameter 16 in. (28.58 x 40.64 cm.), T751. Thaw Collection, Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y. Photograph by Richard Walker.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is partnering with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association for the NEH's Picturing America program. This initiative brings masterpieces of American art into libraries and classrooms nationwide to help teach American history, social studies, history, writing, literature, geography, civics, and other subjects.

Through this program, K-12 school libraries and public libraries are eligible to apply for a free Picturing America kit, which includes:

• Forty large, high-quality color reproductions of selected masterpieces (24” x 36”).
• A Teacher’s Resource Book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to support public librarians and educators using the works of art in core subject areas.
• Additional resources and lesson plans available through an educational Web site.

John Singleton Copley (1738–1815), Paul Revere, 1768. Oil on canvas, 35 1/8 x 28 ½ in. (89.22 x 72.39 cm.). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Gift of Joseph W. Revere, William B. Revere, and Edward H. R. Revere, 30.781. Photograph © 2008 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The carefully selected masterpieces span several centuries
and are iconic works of American art in a variety of media.
When used with the teacher’s resource book and the online
portal, Picturing America will help students and citizens
experience history and enhance the teaching and
understanding of America’s past through the study of its art.

For more information, see www.picturingamerica.neh.gov.