The Conspirator: The Civil War on Film

Director Robert Redford tackles the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in the new movie “The Conspirator" which comes to theaters Friday April 15. The film tells the story of Mary Surratt, the lone woman arrested and charged with conspiracy to kill the President along with seven men and her military tribunal.

Movies often teach history in a way that makes the past come alive. We encourage you and your students to view the film and research the historical figures portrayed in it to get the full story. We’ve pulled these resources to assist.

GPB News: Read about "The Conspirator's" Savannah Connection

Resources For Educators from The American Film Company (lessons are intended for Grades 6-8 and 9-12:)

Download the movie’s official Educator Resource Guide here.

Movie Educator Resource Center and Reading List

Educator Resource: Women During the Civil War

View more classroon lessons that complement the movie here.

Georgia Stories Women and the Civil War (Grades 4-6)
Fanny Kemble’s Diary:

Teacher Resources: Fanny Kemble’s Diary

GPB Digital Education: (login and search for these videos)

Grades K-2, 3-5
Animated Hero Classics: President Abraham Lincoln

Grades 6-8
Abraham Lincoln: The Presidency
Lincoln is Assassinated: Conspirators Punished
Grades 9-12
Lincoln’s Assassination: A Confederate Conspiracy
Alleged Plots and Threats Against Lincoln