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1704 Attack on Deerfield
Class groups examine conflicting primary and secondary sources describing the 1704 attack on the fort at Deerfield by French and Native Americans and analyze the implications of discrepancies.
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African American Presence in Deerfield, Massachusetts (1680-1720)
Eleventh graders explore primary and secondary sources involving "everyday life" of individuals living in Deerfield at the four turns of the centuries. They learn what these characteristics reveal since the town's beginning as an English...
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Pocumtucks in Deerfield
As part of a study of colonial and Native American history, class members focus on the beliefs and land use of the Pocumtucks, who settled near Deerfield, Massachusetts. Students examine their beliefs about land use and ownership, the...
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Native American Presence in Deerfield, Massachusetts
Eleventh graders examine how in this volatile period, colonial powers and Native groups competed for trade goods and land, coming into conflict repeatedly. They also explore primary and secondary sources.
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Lesson 11: Printed Materials (Ads and Broadsides) 1780-1820
Students use primary resources (gazettes, broadsides, advertisements) to consider life at the turn of the 18th century in Deerfield, Massachusetts. They infer observations about life in the nascent United States.
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Modern Interpretations
To conclude an eight-lesson study of the events that occurred in the early colonial period in Deerfield, Massachussetss, class members evaluate the point of view and bias found in late 19th and early 20th century retellings.
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Lesson 8: Changes in Deerfield, Massachusetts Shown in Maps
Eighth graders study maps of the same area from different time periods which show the ways in which the land stayed the same, and the ways this New England village changed over the years.
Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association
A Research Project: A Discussion of the Recreating and Populating of a Colonial Village
Primary source research, secondary source readings, and discussion provide the understanding necessary for students to create a colonial persona, and simulate a situation appropriate for this person, time, and place. While the lesson...
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Deerfield Matures: Deerfield's Changing Economy
Eleventh graders explain that Deerfield became prosperous because of the river trade and improved agricultural practices. They examine how transportation and communication were improved.
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The Topography and Geology of Deerfield
Eleventh graders explain the topographical and geographical makeup of Deerfield. They explain the Massachusetts section of the Connecticut River Valley is located in the bed of glacial Lake Hitchcock, which contributes to its being a...
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Overview of World events during the Deerfield Colonial Period
Eighth graders explore the political, social, religious, and economic world and national context in which the events of Deerfield occurred.
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Refinement in Deerfield: The River Gods
Students research the town of Deerfield, CT and its River God families to show how the middle class developed in the Connecticut River Valley.
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A Second Visit to Deerfield
Students take a virtual tour of the Deerfield Meeting House, circa 1700's, and other turn of the century homes and locations and compare them to modern homes and locations of today.
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Forward, Into the Past!
Young scholars, during a (virtual) visit to a burial ground, think about the past by viewing tombstones as primary sources. They explain how the attitudes of Deerfield residents toward death and burial evolved from 1780-1880.
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Deerfield Visit: Reading a House/Place (Ebenezer Hinsdale Williams House)
Eleventh graders study the relationship between economic level and material culture: markers of gentility (architecture, material goods) as demonstrated by a single structure.
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A Visit to Deerfield: Learning about the layout of this colonial village
Tenth graders explore land allotments to the English settlers, Puritan influence on the settlement, and the story of two colonial women.
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Deerfield Debates Its Future: Education
Young scholars consider the effect of technological development, industrial growth and changing population on education in historical Deerfield Connecticut. They review many primary resources to investigate history and write a response...
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Revolution in Deerfield: Political Turmoil
Eleventh graders explore loyalism and rebellion in revolutionary era Connecticut River Valley.
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Speaking in Grave Tones
Fourth graders examine how a change in attitudes about death took place from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century and was embodied in gravestones, literature, and art.
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English Settlement
Students study the development of the New England colonies, their rationale for settlement, and the importance of Puritan theology in this development. They research towns in England and their copies in Massachusetts.
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A Line Drive
Eleventh graders create a 100 year timeline centering on the life of their research subject and place them in the context of local and national history.
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THE MASSACHUSETSS FRONTIER:TURNER
Students examine the political, social, religious, and economic world and national context in which the settlement of Deerfield occurred and the competing political agendas, and competition for land, power, and wealth in Deerfield.
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Digging Into the Past
Eleventh graders research their subjects using a variety of sources and they develop a project to share their learning with their peers.
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Indians and African Americans 1780-1820
Young scholars explain that opportunities for African Americans remained severely limited by slavery until 1783. They examine the 1783 Massachusetts abolishment of slavery and its impact.