Students will create a text-based artwork in stitched lettering that documents an event or commemorates an ideal about the United States. Students will describe a facet of United States history using a crafted item as evidence. Students will give an example of an individual using craft as a means of political expression. Interdisciplinary connections include arts, social studies, and language arts.

Documents of Democracy explores the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, featured in the Craft in America: DEMOCRACY episode. Curator Joanne Hyppolite, Ph.D., of the National Museum of African American History and Culture shows a patchwork-lettered quilt, one of many museum objects that help to educate citizens about the history of African Americans and the past and present of racism in the United States.

Support materials include a breakdown of essential questions, key concepts, an overview of content, suggested activities, related vocabulary, discussion questions and worksheets for viewing the film, studio investigations, and reflection about and displaying completed artworks.