American Heritage Merit Badge

American Heritage and the Trail to Eagle

American Heritage is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

American Heritage Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 6 main requirements for American Heritage. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

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 their future security.' Rewrite that section in your own words, making it as easy to understand as possible. Then, share your writing and discuss the importance of the Declaration to all Americans.
2
Do TWO of the following:
1. a.Select two individuals from American history, one a political leader and the other a private citizen. Find out about each person's accomplishments and compare the contributions each has made to America's heritage.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
3
Do the following:
1. 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.
2. b.For the following, 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.
3. 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:
1. a.Explain the National Register of Historic Places and how a property becomes eligible for listing. Make a map of your local area, marking the points of historical interest.
2. 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.
3. c.Find out when, why, and how your town or neighborhood started, and what ethnic, national, or racial groups played a part.
4. d.Take an active part in a program or project about an event or person in American history.
5. e.Visit a historic trail or walk in your area. After your visit, share with your counselor what you have learned.
5
Do ONE of the following:
1. a.Watch two motion pictures that are set in some period of American history. Describe to your counselor how accurate each film is.
2. b.Read a biography of someone who has made a contribution to America's heritage. Tell some things you admire and some you do not.
3. c.Listen to recordings of popular songs from various periods of American history. Share five of these songs with your counselor.
6
Discuss with your counselor the career opportunities in American heritage. Pick one that interests you and explain how to prepare for this career.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the American Heritage Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start American Heritage, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

American Heritage is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 21 American Heritage requirements for you.

American Heritage Merit Badge FAQ

Is the American Heritage merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. American Heritage is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.

How long does the American Heritage merit badge take?

Most scouts finish American Heritage in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the American Heritage merit badge?

American Heritage is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for American Heritage can sign off requirements.