Requirements
1. Read the Declaration of Independence. Pay close attention to the section
that begins with “We hold these truths to be self-evident” and ends with
“to provide new Guards for their future security.” Rewrite that section in your
own words, making it as easy to understand as possible. Then, share your
writing with your merit badge counselor and discuss the importance of the
Declaration to all Americans.
2. Do TWO of the following:
(a) Select two individuals from American history, one a political leader
(a president, senator, etc.) and the other a private citizen (a writer, religious
leader, etc.). Find out about each person’s accomplishments and compare
the contributions each has made to America’s heritage.
(b) With your counselor’s approval, choose an organization that has promoted
some type of positive change in American society. Find out why
the organization believed this change was necessary and how it helped to
accomplish the change. Discuss how this organization is related to events
or situations from America’s past.
(c) With your counselor’s approval, interview two veterans of the U.S.
military. Find out what their experiences were like. Ask the veterans what they
believe they accomplished.
(d) With your counselor’s approval, interview three people in your community
of different ages and occupations. Ask these people what America means
to them, what they think is special about this country, and what American
traditions they feel are important to preserve.
3. Do the following:
(a) Select a topic related to the United States that is currently in the news.
Describe to your counselor what is happening. Explain how today’s events are
related to or affected by the events and values of America’s past.
(b) For each of the following, describe its adoption, tell about any changes
since its adoption, and explain how each one continues to influence
Americans today: the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Great Seal of the
United States, the motto, and the national anthem.
(c) Research your family’s history. Find out how various events and situations
in American history affected your family. If your family immigrated to
America, tell the reasons why. Share what you find with your counselor.
4. Do TWO of the following:
(a) Explain the National Register of Historic Places and how a property
becomes eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Make a
map of your local area, marking the points of historical interest. Tell about any
National Register properties in your area. Share the map with your counselor,
and describe the historical points you have indicated.
(b) Research an event of historical importance that took place in or near your
area. If possible, visit the place. Tell your counselor about the event and how
it affected local history. Describe how the area looked then and what it now
looks like.
(c) Find out when, why, and how your town or neighborhood started, and
what ethnic, national, or racial groups played a part. Find out how the area
has changed over the past 50 years and try to explain why.
(d) Take an active part in a program about an event or person in American
history. Report to your counselor about the program, the part you took, and
the subject.
(e) Visit a historic trail or walk in your area. After your visit, share with your
counselor what you have learned. Discuss the importance of this location and
explain why you think it might qualify for National Register listing.
5. Do ONE of the following:
(a) Watch two motion pictures (with the approval and permission of your
counselor and parent) that are set in some period of American history.
Describe to your counselor how accurate each film is with regard to the
historical events depicted and also with regard to the way the characters
are portrayed.
(b) Read a biography (with your counselor’s approval) of someone who
has made a contribution to America’s heritage. Tell some things you admire
about this individual and some things you do not admire. Explain why
you think this person has made a positive or a negative contribution to
America’s heritage.
(c) Listen to recordings of popular songs from various periods of American
history. Share five of these songs with your counselor, and describe how each
song reflects the way people felt about the period in which it was popular.
If a recording is not available, have a copy of the lyrics available.
6. Discuss with your counselor the career opportunities in American heritage.
Pick one that interests you and explain how to prepare for this career. Discuss
what education and training are required for this career.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges