American Heritage Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, historical sites
Best For: Scouts interested in history, American culture, citizenship
Hands-On Level: Low, Moderate
Requires Camping/Travel: No
Eagle Required: No

The American Heritage merit badge gives you a chance to learn how the United States became the country it is today. As you work on this badge, you will discover important events, people, and ideas from American history. You will see how the choices made in the past continue to affect life in the present.

While earning the American Heritage merit badge, you will research historical topics and explore the stories behind them. You might learn about famous leaders, important documents, military conflicts, or movements that shaped the nation. These activities help you understand different parts of America’s history and how they connect to one another.

This merit badge also encourages you to experience history firsthand. You may visit museums, memorials, or historic sites to learn more about the people and events you study. Along the way, you will build research, communication, and critical thinking skills. These skills will help you in Scouting, school, and everyday life.

American Heritage Merit Badge Requirements

American Heritage Merit Badge Pamphlet

American Heritage Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for American Heritage Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the American Heritage Merit Badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Declaration of Independence
• Requirement 2: Influences
• Requirement 3: Research
• Requirement 4: Historic Places
• Requirement 5: Culture
• Requirement 6: Careers
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Declaration of Independence

What You Need To Do

Read the selected section of the Declaration of Independence and rewrite it in your own words using simple language. Share your version with your merit badge counselor and discuss why this document is important to Americans.

Helpful Tips

• Read the section several times before rewriting it.
• Look up words you do not recognize.
• Break long sentences into shorter sentences.
• Use your own everyday words.
• Include the main ideas about equality, rights, and government.
• Keep your rewrite clear and easy to read.
• Compare your version to the original to make sure you included the important points.
• Practice reading your rewrite out loud before meeting with your counselor.
• Be ready to talk about why the document is still important today.

Resources

• Declaration of Independence—Full Transcript (website)
• The Declaration of Independence | Journey to American Democracy (video)

Leader Tips

• Provide a copy of the Declaration of Independence for each Scout.
• Help Scouts find resources for difficult words and phrases.
• Encourage Scouts to write in their own style instead of copying examples.
• Use questions to help Scouts connect the document to American history and citizenship.

Requirement 2a: Historical Figures

What You Need To Do

Choose an organization that promoted positive change in American society. Find out why the change was needed, how the organization worked for it, and how it connects to America’s past.

Helpful Tips

• Get your counselor’s approval before starting.
• Pick an organization with a clear goal or mission.
• Research why people wanted the change.
• Find examples of actions the organization took.
• Look for important events connected to its work.
• Make notes about results and achievements.
• Create a timeline of major events if it helps.
• Be prepared to discuss how the organization influenced society.

People To Consider

• Political Leaders
  • George Washington
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Theodore Roosevelt
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • John F. Kennedy
  • Susan B. Anthony
• Private Citizens
  • Harriet Tubman
  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Clara Barton
  • Helen Keller
  • Booker T. Washington
  • Harper Lee
  • Billy Graham

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts select organizations with a well-documented history.
• Encourage Scouts to focus on actions and results.
• Guide discussions about historical events connected to the organization.
• Help Scouts organize their research notes.

Requirement 2b: Positive Change Organization

What You Need To Do

Choose an organization that promoted positive change in American society. Find out why the change was needed, how the organization worked for it, and how it connects to America’s past.

Helpful Tips

• Get your counselor’s approval before starting.
• Pick an organization with a clear goal or mission.
• Research why people wanted the change.
• Find examples of actions the organization took.
• Look for important events connected to its work.
• Make notes about results and achievements.
• Create a timeline of major events if it helps.
• Be prepared to discuss how the organization influenced society.

Organizations To Consider

• American Red Cross – Provides disaster relief, emergency assistance, and support for military families.
• NAACP – Works to protect civil rights and promote equality.
• The Salvation Army – Provides food, shelter, disaster relief, and community services.
• American Cancer Society – Supports cancer research, education, and patient services.
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Promotes efforts to reduce impaired driving.
• National Park Foundation – Supports preservation and education related to national parks.
• The Nature Conservancy – Protects land, water, and wildlife habitats.
• Habitat for Humanity – Helps families obtain safe and affordable housing.
• American Library Association – Promotes access to information and literacy.

Resources

• How Volunteering Can Help Change the World (video)
• The Power of Volunteering (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts select organizations with a well-documented history.
• Encourage Scouts to focus on actions and results.
• Guide discussions about historical events connected to the organization.
• Help Scouts organize their research notes.

Requirement 2c: Veterans Interview

What You Need To Do

Interview two U.S. military veterans. Ask about their experiences and what they believe they accomplished during their service.

Helpful Tips

• Get your counselor’s approval before arranging interviews.
• Prepare questions ahead of time.
• Be polite and respectful during the conversation.
• Ask follow-up questions when appropriate.
• Take notes or record answers if permitted.
• Ask about training, duties, and memorable experiences.
• Find out how military service affected their lives.
• Thank each veteran for sharing their experiences.

Resources

• Interviewing a Veteran Resource Guide (PDF)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts prepare thoughtful interview questions.
• Encourage respectful listening during interviews.
• Assist with finding veterans who are willing to participate.
• Remind Scouts to keep accurate notes.

Requirement 2d: Community Perspectives

What You Need To Do

Interview three people of different ages and occupations. Ask what America means to them, what makes the country special, and which traditions should be preserved.

Helpful Tips

• Get your counselor’s approval before starting.
• Choose people with different backgrounds.
• Prepare your questions before the interviews.
• Listen carefully to each person’s answers.
• Take notes during the conversation.
• Compare the responses after the interviews.
• Look for common ideas and differences.
• Be respectful even when opinions differ.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find people from different age groups and careers.
• Encourage Scouts to ask open-ended questions.
• Guide Scouts in comparing the responses they receive.
• Remind Scouts to be courteous and professional during interviews.

Requirement 3a: Current Events and American History

What You Need To Do

Choose a current news topic related to the United States. Describe what is happening and connect it to events and values from America’s past.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a topic from a reliable news source.
• Choose a topic with plenty of information available.
• Write a short summary of the current event.
• Look for historical events connected to the topic.
• Identify American values related to the issue.
• Take notes from several sources.
• Create a timeline if it helps organize information.
• Be ready to discuss both the past and present parts of the topic.

Topics To Consider

• Voting and elections
• Immigration
• National parks and conservation
• Space exploration
• Natural disaster response
• Public health issues
• Transportation projects
• Military and veterans’ issues
• Technology and communications
• Energy production and conservation

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find age-appropriate news sources.
• Encourage Scouts to focus on facts instead of opinions.
• Guide Scouts toward historical connections.
• Ask questions that help Scouts connect past events to current events.

Requirement 3b: American Symbols

What You Need To Do

Research the adoption, changes, and continuing influence of the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Great Seal of the United States, the national motto, and the national anthem.

Helpful Tips

• Create a separate page of notes for each symbol.
• Record when each symbol was officially adopted.
• Look for important changes over time.
• Find out where people commonly see or use each symbol.
• Compare how the symbols represent the country.
• Use reliable sources for your research.
• Organize your notes before meeting with your counselor.
• Practice explaining each symbol in your own words.

Key Facts

• The flag was adopted on June 14, 1777.
• The original flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes.
• The current flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy.
• Congress officially adopted the pledge in 1942.
• The words “under God” were added in 1954.
• The Great Seal of the United States was adopted on June 20, 1782.
• The seal features a bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows.
• The national motto is “In God We Trust.”
• Congress adopted the motto in 1956.
• “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem in 1931.
• Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics in 1814 during the War of 1812.

Resources

• The Pledge of Allegiance History (video)
• Why America Chose the Bald Eagle | The Story Behind the Great Seal (1782) (video)
• US National Motto (video)
• How “The Star-Spangled Banner” Became the National Anthem (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to organize information for each symbol separately.
• Help Scouts find reliable historical sources.
• Guide discussions about how these symbols are used today.
• Remind Scouts to cover adoption, changes, and influence for each item.

Requirement 3c: Family History

What You Need To Do

Research your family’s history and find connections to events in American history. Share your findings with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Start by talking with parents, grandparents, and other relatives.
• Ask about important family events and experiences.
• Look through photographs, letters, and family records.
• Create a simple family timeline.
• Research major historical events from your family’s lifetime.
• Look for connections between family stories and national events.
• If your family immigrated to America, ask why they came.
• Write down names, dates, and places during your research.
• Organize your information before meeting with your counselor.

Questions To Ask

• Where did our family live in the past?
• What jobs did family members have?
• Did family members serve in the military?
• How did wars, economic changes, or other events affect our family?
• When did family members move to new locations?
• Why did family members immigrate to America, if applicable?
• What family traditions have been passed down through generations?

Resources

• Genealogy Merit Badge (website)
• The Perfect Way To Start Finding Your Family Tree (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to interview several relatives when possible.
• Help Scouts create a simple timeline of family events.
• Suggest keeping notes organized by person or generation.
• Remind Scouts to respect family privacy when sharing information.

Requirement 4a: National Register Of Historic Places

What You Need To Do

Explain the National Register of Historic Places, create a map showing historical points in your area, and identify any National Register properties nearby.

Helpful Tips

• The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of historic properties.
• It includes buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts.
• Most listed properties are at least 50 years old.
• A property usually must keep much of its historic appearance.
• Properties can be significant because of history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
• The program is managed by the National Park Service.

Resources

• National Register Guide Episode 1: Basics (video)
• National Register Guide Episode 2: The Function of the National Register of Historic Places (video)
• National Register Database (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts locate historical sites in their community.
• Encourage Scouts to create neat, readable maps.
• Guide Scouts toward reliable local history resources.
• Ask Scouts to describe why each location is important.

Requirement 4b: Local Historical Event

What You Need To Do

Research an important historical event that happened in or near your area. Describe the event, its impact, and how the location has changed over time.

Helpful Tips

• Choose an event connected to your community.
• Visit the location if possible.
• Use local libraries and historical societies for research.
• Find out when and why the event happened.
• Identify people involved in the event.
• Look for photographs or maps from the time period.
• Compare the location’s appearance then and now.
• Organize your notes before meeting with your counselor.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts select events with good historical records.
• Encourage visits to local historical sites when possible.
• Guide Scouts toward comparing past and present conditions.
• Ask questions about the event’s effect on the community.

Requirement 4c: Community History

What You Need To Do

Research how your town or neighborhood started, who helped build it, and how it has changed during the last 50 years.

Helpful Tips

• Find out when your community was established.
• Research why people settled in the area.
• Identify groups that helped develop the community.
• Visit local museums, libraries, or city offices.
• Look for old maps and photographs.
• Compare the population, businesses, and neighborhoods from different years.
• Research major events that changed the community.
• Create a timeline of important dates.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to use local sources whenever possible.
• Help Scouts identify important changes over time.
• Guide discussions about factors that influenced growth and development.
• Suggest creating a timeline to organize information.

Requirement 4d: Historical Program Participation

What You Need To Do

Take part in a program about an event or person in American history. Report on the program, your role, and the historical topic.

Helpful Tips

• Look for programs at museums or historical societies.
• Attend a reenactment, presentation, exhibit, or community event.
• Take notes during the program.
• Record the date and location.
• Write down key facts about the topic.
• Describe the role you played in the program.
• Collect brochures or handouts if available.
• Prepare a short summary for your counselor.

Programs To Consider

• Historical reenactments
• Museum presentations
• Living history events
• Community heritage festivals
• Historic site tours
• History-themed Scout activities
• Cemetery history tours
• Local history society programs

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find appropriate local programs.
• Encourage active participation instead of simple attendance.
• Suggest taking notes during the event.
• Ask Scouts to describe their role and experiences.

Requirement 4e: Historic Trail Or Walk

What You Need To Do

Visit a historic trail or walk in your area. Share what you learned and discuss why the location is historically important.

Helpful Tips

• Research the trail before your visit.
• Bring a notebook or camera.
• Read historical markers along the route.
• Take notes about important locations.
• Look for evidence of historical events or activities.
• Find out who used the trail and why.
• Research how the trail affected the area.
• Consider why the location might deserve preservation.

Resources

• National Historic Trails (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to visit locations in person whenever possible.
• Help Scouts find historical information about the trail.
• Guide discussions about preservation and historical significance.
• Ask Scouts what makes the location important to future generations.

Requirement 5a: History Through Movies

What You Need To Do

Watch two movies set during a period of American history. Discuss how accurately each movie shows historical events and people.

Helpful Tips

• Get approval from your counselor and parent before choosing movies.
• Take notes while you watch.
• Research the real events shown in the film.
• Compare movie scenes to historical sources.
• Look for events that were changed or left out.
• Consider whether the characters match real people from history.
• Write down examples of accurate and inaccurate details.
• Be ready to explain your opinions with facts.

Movies To Consider

• Remember the Titans – Set in the 1970s, this movie tells the true story of a high school football team that overcomes racial tension.
• Hidden Figures – This movie is about three African American women mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race.
• October Sky – This movie is based on the true story of a young boy inspired by the launch of Sputnik to build rockets in 1950s West Virginia.
• Lincoln – This movie focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment and end the Civil War.
• Apollo 13 – This film tells the true story of the Apollo 13 mission after an explosion damaged the spaceship, and the efforts to bring the astronauts home safely.
• The Sandlot – Set in the 1960s, this movie captures the childhood experiences of a group of boys who play baseball together.
• A League of Their Own – This movie is about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II.
• The Long Walk Home – This film depicts the Montgomery Bus Boycott through the eyes of two women, one black and one white.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose age-appropriate movies.
• Encourage Scouts to research historical facts after viewing.
• Guide discussions about accuracy and artistic changes.
• Ask Scouts for specific examples from the films.

Requirement 5b: Biography

What You Need To Do

Read a biography of a person who contributed to America’s heritage. Discuss admirable qualities, less admirable qualities, and the person’s impact on American history.

Helpful Tips

• Get your counselor’s approval before choosing a book.
• Pick a person who interests you.
• Take notes while reading.
• Record important accomplishments.
• Include both strengths and weaknesses.
• Look for challenges the person faced.
• Consider how the person’s actions affected others.
• Prepare examples to support your opinions.

Biographies To Consider

• “Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different” by Karen Blumenthal – This book explores the life of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, and his influence on technology and innovation.
• “Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America” by Teri Kanefield – This biography covers the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers. There are also other books in the Making of America series.
• “Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery” by Russell Freedman – This book details the life and contributions of Eleanor Roosevelt, a significant figure in American history.
• “Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad” by Ann Petry – This biography highlights Harriet Tubman’s bravery and efforts in leading slaves to freedom.
• “Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose – This book tells the story of Claudette Colvin, a teenager who was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus, sparking the Civil Rights Movement.
• “Who Was Walt Disney?” by Whitney Stewart – This biography explores the life of Walt Disney and his contributions to American entertainment and culture.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to select biographies written for their reading level.
• Help Scouts identify both positive and negative aspects of the person’s life.
• Ask Scouts to support their opinions with examples from the book.
• Guide discussions about the person’s lasting influence.

Requirement 5c: Music And American History

What You Need To Do

Listen to songs from different periods of American history. Share five songs with your counselor and describe how each reflects its time period.

Helpful Tips

• Choose songs from different historical periods.
• Read the lyrics while listening.
• Research the time period for each song.
• Look for themes such as patriotism, hardship, freedom, or change.
• Take notes about the song’s message.
• Identify important events connected to the song.
• Compare how people felt during different periods.
• Select five songs to discuss with your counselor.

Songs To Consider

• “Yankee Doodle” (Revolutionary War) – Reflects patriotism and the spirit of independence.
• “The Star-Spangled Banner” (War of 1812) – Shows the resilience and pride of Americans during wartime.
• “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (Civil War era) – Represents the hope and struggle of African American slaves.
• “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (Great Depression) – Captures the despair and hardship of the 1930s.
• “Over There” (World War I) – Captures the patriotic fervor and the call to duty during the Great War.
• “This Land Is Your Land” (1940s) – Woody Guthrie’s song highlights themes of equality and the American landscape.
• “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (World War II) – Shows the energy and support for troops during the war.
• “We Shall Overcome” (Civil Rights Movement) – Reflects the determination and unity of the fight for civil rights.
• “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1960s) – Bob Dylan’s song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, questioning social justice.
• “Fortunate Son” (1969) – Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song reflects the anti-war sentiment and class issues during the Vietnam War.
• “I Will Survive” (1970s) – Gloria Gaynor’s hit represents personal empowerment and resilience of women, resonating with the spirit of the 1970s.
• “Born in the U.S.A.” (1980s) – Bruce Springsteen’s hit offers a critical view of the American Dream and post-Vietnam War America.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose songs from several different eras.
• Help Scouts connect songs to historical events.
• Ask Scouts what emotions or ideas each song expresses.
• Guide discussions about how music reflects society.

Requirement 6: Careers In American Heritage

What You Need To Do

Discuss careers related to American heritage with your counselor. Choose one career that interests you and explain the education and training needed for that career.

Helpful Tips

• Research several careers before choosing one.
• Pick a career that matches your interests.
• Find out what people in the career do each day.
• Research education requirements.
• Look for training, certifications, or special skills needed.
• Find out where people in this field work.
• Ask questions during your discussion with your counselor.
• Prepare notes about the career you choose.
• Consider how Scouting skills could help in the career.

Careers To Consider

• Historian
• Museum Curator
• Archivist
• Historic Preservation Specialist
• Park Ranger
• History Teacher
• Genealogist
• Documentary Filmmaker
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Archaeologist
• Librarian
• Museum Educator
• Historical Interpreter
• Historic Site Manager
• Records Manager

Resources

• Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs for History Major (video)
• What Can You Do With That History Degree? (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to research more than one career option.
• Help Scouts find reliable information about education and training requirements.
• Ask Scouts what interests them about their chosen career.
• Discuss how current interests and hobbies might connect to future career goals.

Historic Trails Program

If you’re working on the American Heritage merit badge, check out the Historic Trails Program. This program recognizes Scouts who plan and carry out a historic outdoor activity. To earn the award, your unit must locate a historic trail, hike or camp for two days and one night, and cooperate with a local historic society.

You can help restore the trail or plan a public event. This program is a great way to connect with history and the community. For more information, visit your local historic society or library to get started on this exciting journey.

Living History Program Feature for Scouts BSA

If you’re working on the American Heritage merit badge, also check out the Living History program feature from BSA. This program helps Scouts experience different cultures and historical events in a hands-on way.

Available in digital format or as a publication, the program includes activities like reenactments, historical cooking, and making period costumes. It also offers troop meeting ideas and outdoor activities. This resource is perfect for Scouts who want to dive deeper into American history.

More Merit Badge Resources

The American Heritage merit badge gives Scouts a simple way to learn how the nation’s history has shaped daily life. It fits well within the full merit badge program because it adds a cultural and historical option to a list that includes science, trades, arts, and outdoor skills. Scouts study important events, symbols, and changes over time. This brings balance to the wide range of choices by offering a subject rooted in understanding the past.

It also connects to badges like Citizenship in the Nation, American Cultures, and Genealogy. Scouts who enjoy history often find this badge meaningful. It supports the program’s goal of encouraging curiosity and informed learning.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The American Heritage merit badge supports the larger goals of Scouts BSA by teaching reflection, communication, and responsible judgment. These habits help Scouts grow as thoughtful leaders.

It also ties into fitness, citizenship, and personal development. Understanding national history builds respect for community and service. Studying the past strengthens awareness and confidence.

What is the American Heritage merit badge?

The American Heritage merit badge helps Scouts learn about the history and culture of the United States. It involves activities like research, visiting historical sites, and understanding important documents and events.

What will I learn by earning the American Heritage merit badge?

You will learn about key events and figures in American history, visit historical places, and understand how America’s past affects its present and future.

Do I visit a historical site for the American Heritage merit badge?

Visiting a historical site is an option for one of the requirements. You can visit places like museums, battlefields, or historical landmarks.

Can I choose any movie or biography for the American Heritage merit badge?

You need to get approval from your counselor and parent before choosing a movie or biography. It should be related to American history and heritage.

How do I find songs for the American Heritage merit badge?

You can look for recordings of popular songs from different periods of American history online or at a library. If you can’t find recordings, you can use the lyrics. A suggested list is provided here.

What kind of careers are related to the American Heritage merit badge?

Careers include historian, museum curator, archivist, park ranger, history teacher, genealogist, and archaeologist. These careers focus on preserving and teaching about American history.

How can I research my family’s history for the American Heritage merit badge?

Talk to relatives, look at old documents and photos, and use online resources. Find out how events in American history affected your family.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

It is a list of places that are important to American history. Properties must be at least 50 years old and have historical significance to be listed.

The American Heritage merit badge helps Scouts learn about the history and culture of the United States. Through various activities, Scouts explore important events, visit historical sites, and understand how America’s past shapes its present and future. This badge encourages Scouts to dive into the stories and places that have made the country what it is today.

Scouts will read the Declaration of Independence, research historical figures, and learn about significant symbols like the American flag and the national anthem. They also explore their own family history and how it connects to broader historical events. By visiting historical places and listening to music from different eras, Scouts gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of American heritage.

Earning the American Heritage merit badge also includes discussing career opportunities in history-related fields. Scouts can learn about roles like historian, museum curator, and park ranger. These careers help preserve and teach about American history, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate their heritage.

This merit badge not only teaches historical facts but also helps develop research and critical thinking skills. Scouts learn to analyze information, compare different perspectives, and present their findings. The American Heritage merit badge is a journey into the past that provides valuable lessons for the present and future.