Overview
Coal Mining was a major piece of our economic and cultural heritage in Western Pennsylvania. Just as coal miners young and old went deep into the earth in search of “black gold”, you will learn how to search deep under the many layers of visual and audio memories stored in the American Memories Collections at the Library of Congress.

You'll observe demonstrations, then work with a partner for a hands-on opportunity to practice search techniques and share results and observations with the group. You'll also practice techniques that you can use to teach your students how to search American Memory.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• search American Memory a variety of ways, apply search tips, tricks, and strategies;
• recognize how the collections are organized and their limitations;
• plan strategies for students to search efficiently and effectively.

• observe search demonstrations;
• work in pairs to test-search specific topics and collections;
• discuss and record information for projects;
• share observations and suggestions for classroom use;
• plan where to search next.

• American Memory Search Synonyms List (page 5)
• American Memory Practice Worksheet (page 6)
• Library of Congress Resource Worksheet (page 8)
• American Memory Search Page
• Prospecting in American Memory