Commonwealth Speakers:Native Americans
Understanding the history of Native Americans is integral to understanding the history of the United States.
Folklore of Native Americans
A review of recorded materials from the indigenous peoples demonstrates the extensive eloquence and values of Native Americans, their insight into the relationship between man and ecology, their depth of philosophical thought, and their humor and irony, often used in their extensive oral tradition and teaching parables. Douglas Rosentrater will discuss, among other topics, creation myths, the great organizing Deity, spirits who have helped humanity, and the Great Iroquois League for Democracy. Requirements: TV, VCR, CD/cassette player, display table. DVD player and LCD projector preferred.
Douglas B. Rosentrater, Professor of Communications, Bucks County Community College, Newtown
A Road for Warriors: Native Peoples and the Seven Years War in Pennsylvania
Native peoples, such as Susquehanna Delawares, Ohio Delawares, Shawnees, and Ohio Iroquois all waged war in Pennsylvania during the Seven Years War. Each participated in the war for distinct reasons, and each fought to secure separate interests. Daniel P. Barr will mesh visual imagery and narrative accounts from the letters, journals and diaries of native, colonial and British participants to lead audiences through the traumatic and turbulent world of the native peoples during the Seven Years War. Requirements: Screen and LCD projector.
Daniel P. Barr, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, Robert Morris University, Moon Township
Indians and Europeans in Pennsylvania
In this slide-illustrated lecture, Barry Kent examines the nature and results of the contact and clash between Europeans and native people in what was to become Pennsylvania. He reviews the archaeological research and intertwines it with the history of Indian and European interaction from the late 15th Century to the Conestoga massacre of 1763. Requirements: Slide projector and screen. Remote control with long cord for slide projector preferred.
Barry Kent, Ph.D., Independent Scholar, York
American Indians in the 21st Century: The New Faces of an Ancient People
What do you really know about American Indians today? The intersection of media and American Indian cultures tends to perpetuate misunderstandings about the indigenous people of the United States. John Sanchez discusses how media engages native communities, how these perceptions affect what both native and non-native people believe about native communities, and how as a culture we identify American Indians and Indian Country today. Requirements: TV/VCR, DVD player. Microphone and LCD projector preferred.
John Sanchez, Associate Professor of Journalism, Pennsylvania State University - University Park
The Indian Fashion: Getting Dressed in 18th Century Pennsylvania
18th Century Pennsylvania was a crossroads for Native American peoples from across eastern North America. In an illustrated lecture highlighting period artwork, original costume and decorative arts, Scott Stephenson explores cultural exchange and creative adaptation among natives and newcomers in colonial Pennsylvania. Requirements: Screen.
R. Scott Stephenson, Ph.D., Curator, Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania (resides in Wilmington, Delaware)
Stolen Away
Frances Slocum of the Wyoming Valley and Massie Harbison of the Allegheny River Valley were both women taken prisoner in Indian raids and carried away. At that point, their stories diverge: one fought desperately to return to her home and family while the other embraced a new culture and formed a new family. Through their stories, Alan Irvine will explore the complex web of relations between settlers and natives on the Pennsylvania frontier, the differences between these two cultures, and the role of women within each.
Alan Irvine, Ph.D., Professional Storyteller and Visiting Professor of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Discovering Pennsylvania Archaeology
Native peoples have lived in Pennsylvania for perhaps 15,000 years. Over those millennia, many changes to the native way of life can be seen. This slide lecture examines the techniques of archaeology, how it enables us to visualize changing prehistory cultures, and the evolution of native culture in Pennsylvania and the United States. Requirements: Slide projector and screen. Remote control with long cord for slide projector preferred.
Barry Kent, Ph.D., Independent Scholar, York