Sources by Theme

Note: Media literacy and building context for these sources are all important to consider as we think about using them with students. Please see resources page for source analysis models and frameworks.

These lists are not exhaustive and many opportunities for future research and discovery exist. Essex Heritage thanks North Andover High School History Coordinator Brian Sheehy for compiling these sources as well as the contributing organizations/archives.

Misconception: Indigenous peoples in our region “vanished” in the 18th century and are no longer living

Misconception: English colonists were “the first” to settle and productively “use” this region’s resources, lands, etc.; propagated by 19th century depictions of settlement of towns/ commemorations of town incorporation anniversaries, imagery

Misconception: Land deed contracts demonstrate how Native peoples were not effective negotiators

Misconception (created by): Lack of complexity in accounts of 17th century “Indian raids” in the region which valorized colonists and did not give attention to violent context of era on many sides (example= Hannah Duston)

Misconception: Slavery did not play a large role in New England’s history, especially the history of Indigenous contact with Europeans

Misconception: Mascots that represent Indigenous people honor their heritage

Misconception: Native peoples did not play a significant part in the Revoluntionary War

Other images/ “historical cards” to deconstruct when teaching about depictions of Native peoples