Author: Ashley Moser, 3rd grade teacher at the Exlporis School and DNCR Teacher Ambassador
As educators, we know the value of bringing history to life for our students. While field trips often focus on more traditional destinations, the State Library of North Carolina and State Archives of North Carolina, nestled within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), are vital institutions that preserve our state’s rich history and provide resources for all North Carolinians. Third graders at Exploris Elementary recently took advantage of these history-rich spaces to learn about Civil Rights in North Carolina.
The staff at DNCR helped me organize our day into three research stations that allowed curious students to think critically, engage with primary sources, and connect historical events to their lives today.
1. Discovering Sarah Keys Evans: A Trailblazer in the Fight for Desegregation
The students began by learning about Sarah Keys Evans, an Army veteran from Washington, NC, whose fight for desegregation paved the way for the landmark case Sarah Keys vs. Carolina Coach. This case, which took place three years before Rosa Parks' famous refusal to give up her seat, in 1955, and was instrumental in banning segregation on interstate buses. The fact that this pivotal moment happened in Roanoke Rapids, NC, was an eye-opener for many students. Students also learned about trailblazer Revered Dr. Pauli Murray and their 1940 protest against bus segregation and theory impact on Civil Rights as a legal scholar.
2. The Green Book: A Guide to Safe Spaces
Next, students explored the importance of The Green Book, the iconic travel guide for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. This guide was a crucial tool for Black travelers, helping them find safe places to eat, sleep, and refuel on their journeys. As the students poured over information, one of them remarked, “I had no idea that places I drive by everyday were such important, protected places for Black travelers.” It was a powerful moment that sparked curiosity about local history and its connection to the present. Students had the chance to review digitized Green Books as well as the NC African American Heritage Commission’s database of Green Book listings in North Carolina. They learned about local sites listed in the Green Book such as the Lightner Arcade and Hotel. This building stood just a few blocks from the Exploris School and DNCR Building and is believed to be the first Black hotel in North Carolina.
3. Hands-On Exploration with Primary Sources
The third station invited students to roll up their sleeves and examine newspaper articles, photographs, birth and death records, and more, that further highlighted the stark realities of segregation in North Carolina. They were particularly struck by the differences between public housing areas like Chavis Heights (home to African Americans) and Halifax Court (for white residents). As numerous students proclaimed, “That’s so unfair!”— it underscored how history can spark important conversations about justice and equality.
4. Exploring Art and Activism
To culminate their research, we fused history, music, and reflection together in a final activity. Students listened to Nina Simone’s iconic song, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free”, and analyzed the powerful lyrics. In addition to learning about the song’s historical significance, they also reflected on their own thoughts about freedom based on what they had learned throughout their visit. They discussed the meaning of freedom today and explored current issues affecting civil rights. Students finally created posters about the importance of protecting civil rights after being inspired by the work of Ella Baker.
This field experience was an incredible learning opportunity for these students. My students were blown away by the hands-on activities and information presented by the State Library and State Archives staff. As Everett Taylor, third grader at Exploris, said, “This was the best field trip I have ever been on! I learned so much and had a great time. I can’t wait to work there one day!”.
For teachers, this field trip serves as a reminder of how dynamic and meaningful history can be when we provide students with opportunities to engage with it in a tangible way. The State Library and Archives of North Carolina offer a rich array of resources that can spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and deepen understanding of the Civil Rights movement—not just in North Carolina, but across the United States.
This experience is a fantastic example of how the 100+ sites and programs that make up DNCR can be powerful learning partners in the classroom. And the best part? These resources are waiting for you and your students to explore—for free!
About Ashley
Ashley Moser is a career educator currently teaching 3rd grade at the Exploris School in Raleigh NC. She has 24 years of experience in the classroom and is a National Board Certified teacher. She strongly believes in the importance of relevant, relationship based learning. Students learn best in an environment where they are encouraged to collaborate, express their creativity, and develop their natural curiosity. Ashley is a 2025 DNCR Teacher Ambassador.
Ashley’s Recommended Resources
While my school is close enough to walk, you can utilize the Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund to cover travel expenses to visit any NCDNCR site. Learn more here.
Sarah Keys: Keeping Her Seat to Stand Up for Her Rights | NCpedia
Pauli Murray and 20th Century Freedom Movements | NCpedia
The Lightner Arcade and Hotel, Raleigh | NCpedia
The Green Book (The Negro Motorist Greenbook; The Negro Travelers' Green Book) | NCpedia
The Negro Motorist Green-Book: 1940 Facsimile Edition DigitalNC
Green Book: 1962: Guide for Travel & Vacations, New York Public Library
Baker, Ella Josephine | NCpedia
The Struggle for Civil Rights, 1930-1959 | NCpedia
Lumbee Indians Face the Ku Klux Klan, 1958 | NCpedia
Battle of Hayes Pond (I-93) | NC DNCR
Civil Rights - North Carolina Digital Collections
State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC’s albums | Flickr
North Carolina Constitutional Reader, Being a Hand Book for Primary Use in One Part