 American Heritage
This Merit Badge requires 1 session to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the American Heritage merit badge are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
American Heritage Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
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 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. |
| 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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2025"
Download the workbook for the
American Heritage Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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