Teaching Hidden Histories

The experiences of Black people in Essex County, MA during the late 19th and 20th centuries offer a rich set of stories for our students to explore. In this workshop, we will examine how this history exemplifies structural policies of exclusion and prejudice, but also perseverance, community activism, and change.

This session explores many questions about this history and its relevance today, including:

• What are some exemplary stories of Black people’s experiences in our region that highlight larger themes of exclusion and the fight for access?

• How can primary sources from the region’s past as well as contemporary voices in the local Black community inform our understanding of how to approach this topic with our students?

Teaching Hidden Histories examines:

• How do examples of marginalized groups' experiences in Essex County, Massachusetts illuminate how some histories have been "hidden" within our larger American story?

• How can we help students connect with this history, keeping their voices and ideas at the forefront of our teaching?

• How do we create a safe environment for difficult conversations about complex issues surrounding race, identity, and what it means to be "American," especially through a local lens that will hit close to home?

This program was made possible by an African American Civil Rights Grant from National Park Service highlighting the African Americans in Essex County: An Annotated Guide from Salem Maritime and Saugus Ironworks National Historic Sites. This guide was compiled by Dr. Kabria Baumgartner and Dr. Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello.

Special thanks to Lynn Museum, Lawrence History Center, Haverhill Library, Phillips Library and other local repositories for their help in providing valuable sources for this workshop.