I. Introduction: What is Printed Ephemera? (40 minutes)

We consider the nature and historical uses of printed ephemera. We learn how An American Time Capsule: Three Centuries of Broadsides and Other Printed Ephemera was formed and review its strengths and limitations. In exploring the American Memory printed ephemera collection, we sample some of the media types and subjects covered and analyze special aspects of selected items.

What would be examples of printed ephemera in your life? What would you select from printed ephemera today for researchers to use 100 years from now?

II. What can we learn from the An American Time Capsule: Three Centuries of Broadsides and Other Printed Ephemera? (50 minutes)

1. Collection Evaluation: Using the topic for your proposed lesson, search An American Time Capsule for materials. Summarize the kinds of material available on your subject. Do items represent different points of view? Do they adequately represent appropriate time spans and geographical areas? How would this material complement other primary sources?

2. Document Analysis: Chose two or more items, each from a different genre to share with the group. Be able to explain how you would use these.
   • What is the intent of the creator?
   • Who is the intended audience?
   • How does the format, language, and visual style contribute to the message?
   • Which of these aspects change over time and which remain the same?

3. Assignment Evaluation: How could this exercise be integrated into a classroom assignment?

III. Sharing Findings and Conclusions (30 minutes)

Each pair shares the results of their investigations with the group.