Economic Education

The State and National Banking Eras: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking (3.07 MB, 20 pages)

Outlines the state and national banking eras, the period between the end of the second Bank of the United States (1836) and the founding of the Federal Reserve (1913).

The First Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking (2.99 MB, 20 pages)

Outlines the origins and operations of the first Bank of the United States, the nation’s first attempt at central banking.

A Lesson to Accompany “The First Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking”
(354 KB, 46 pages)

The Second Bank of the United States: A Chapter in the History of Central Banking (3.80 MB, 14 pages)

Outlines the origins and operations of the second Bank of the United States, the nation’s second attempt at central banking.

A Day in the Life of the FOMC

Learn more about the FOMC and the inner workings of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policymaking body.

Benjamin Franklin and the Birth of a Paper Money Economy (4.24 MB, 12 pages)

Tells readers about Benjamin Franklin’s role in the debate about devising a system of paper money in the colonies and his monetary philosophy. Based on a lecture presented at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia by Professor Farley Grubb of the University of Delaware. Co-sponsored by The Library Company of Philadelphia.

A Lesson to Accompany “Benjamin Franklin and the Birth of a Paper Money Economy” (275 KB, 22 pages)

History of Central Banking

Describes the history of central banking in the United States from 1791 through deregulation.

How to Establish, Use & Protect Credit

Discusses how to qualify for credit and use it wisely.

Intersections

Provides information on economic education for K-12 teachers. (back issues only)

Money in Motion

Learn about money, banking, and the Federal Reserve System through the Philadelphia Fed’s permanent exhibit.

Lesson plans to be used in conjunction with a visit to the exhibit are also available.

Symbols on American Money

Describes and explains the various images and symbols that have been used on U.S. currency over the years.

PDF version (5.34 MB, 16 pages)

The Federal Reserve and You

Designed with classroom flexibility in mind, The Federal Reserve and You is a free video composed of seven segmented chapters that will walk your students through the purposes and functions of the Federal Reserve System and give them overviews of money and banking and the history of central banking in the United States. Our on-screen hosts explain it all with the help of detailed animation and interviews with Federal Reserve leaders.

Last update: December 27, 2011