Illustration for “Sweethearts of Rhythm,” Jerry Pinkney., 2009. ©Jerry Pinkney Studios. All rights reserved.

Award-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney will return to Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday, March 19, to lead “Teaching History Through The Arts,” an educators symposium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Educators are invited to join Pinkney, children’s book historian Leonard Marcus, music historian Michael Lasser, and educator Mark Baldwin for a lively day of lectures, tours, and workshops designed to offer new consideration of the interrelationship between history, art, music and literature in the classroom.

Starting at 10 a.m., keynote speaker/Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney will discuss his passion for history through works that speak to the African-American experience and the wonder of classic tales. Mr. Pinkney has illustrated over 100 books, including such classics as “John Henry,” “The Sweethearts of Rhythm,” and “The Old African.” Following his lecture, the artist will lead participants on a personal tour of the Museum’s current exhibition “Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney,” a 50-year retrospective of his work. Lunch and a special book signing with the artist will follow.

At 12:30 p.m., children’s book historian Leonard Marcus will explore the progression of the American picture book as a more inclusive forum for artists and authors of color during the mid-twentieth century. Mr. Marcus’ highly acclaimed books about children’s literature, and the authors and artists who create it, include “A Caldecott Celebration,” “Pass it Down,” and “Minders of Make-Believe.”

From 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., music historian and broadcaster Michael Lasser will offer a narrated look at our nation’s history through the music that kept America moving from the 1920s to 1950s. Mr. Lasser is the host of the nationally syndicated public radio program “Fascinating Rhythm,” winner of a 1994 Peabody Award. He is the co-author, with Philip Furia, of “America’s Songs: The Stories Behind the Songs of Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley,” and is currently working on a new book, tentatively titled “That Pleasant Ache: How Long Song Lyrics Sang About Us, 1900-1950.”

At 3 p.m., educator Mark J. Baldwin will look at creative ways to integrate history and the arts in the classroom. Mr. Baldwin is Chair of the History Department at Northampton High School, Northampton, Massachusetts, and has earned several teaching commendations, including a Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award.

Admission to the symposium costs $35; $25 for Museum members. PDPs are available. Participants should bring lunch, with beverages and snacks provided. Pre-registration required by calling 413.298.4100, ext. 260, or contacting mgeorgeson@nrm.org.