Using several social studies and geography standards as a framework for planning, Homespunoffers teachers some of the best instructional activities for learning more about the lifeblood of communities - their traditions, beliefs, social and economic forces, religion, and ethnicity. In the first part of the book, Stevens describes activities in which students visit cemeteries and historic sites . . . compose a local history . . . study architectural and housing patterns . . . review old photographs . . . conduct interviews . . . interpret maps . . . write their own family history . . . create a community image. The second half of the book features a collection of highly successful state and nationally recognized projects that represent "best practices" in local history. These "model" activities - many of which are award winning - are great starting points for teachers who want to develop their own local history projects.