1. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) Resources
PHMC offers a comprehensive collection of online resources focused on Native American history in Pennsylvania, including blog posts on archaeological sites, National Register of Historic Places listings, and educational materials from the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Key resources include the First Pennsylvanians book, Indian Paths of Pennsylvania, and the This Week in Pennsylvania Archaeology blog.
2. Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°)
Developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, NK360° provides educators with lesson plans, virtual field trips, webinars, and teacher training. The materials challenge common assumptions and present Native American history from Indigenous perspectives, with content relevant to Pennsylvania’s history and broader Native experiences.
3. Stories from PA History: The Indians of Pennsylvania
This resource offers an in-depth look at the history of Pennsylvania’s Native tribes, providing context and narratives that are essential for understanding the region’s Indigenous heritage. It is especially useful for educators seeking localized content.
4. Native Land Digital Interactive Map
Native Land is an interactive online tool that maps Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties. It enables users to explore which Native nations have ancestral ties to specific areas in Pennsylvania, fostering place-based learning and local awareness.
5. Philadelphia Organizations & Resources
The Native American House Alliance and Natives at Penn are key organizations in the Philadelphia area dedicated to preserving Native culture, promoting educational outreach, and supporting Native students and community members. These groups offer events, resources, and community-building opportunities.
6. National Park Service: Teaching Native American Histories
The National Park Service provides a curated list of lesson plans, videos, activities, and guides that highlight Native American history and heritage sites, including several in Pennsylvania. These resources are designed for classroom and family learning.
7. Lessons of Our Land (Indian Land Tenure Foundation)
This curriculum offers over 200 lesson plans for grades PK-12, focusing on Native American histories, languages, and cultures. The materials emphasize the relationship between people and land and are adaptable for Pennsylvania-specific teaching.
8. The Carlisle Indian Industrial School Teaching Kits
The Carlisle Indian School, located in Pennsylvania, was the first government-run boarding school for Native American children. Teaching kits and primary source materials are available through the National Archives and other educational organizations, providing critical insight into this chapter of Pennsylvania’s and America’s Native history.
These resources collectively offer a robust framework for educators and learners in Pennsylvania to engage with Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues from both local and national perspectives.
Sources
[1] https://maec.org/resource/native-american-heritage-month-resources/
[2] https://pahistoricpreservation.com/resource-round-phmcs-resources-for-native-american-history-pennsylvania/
[3] https://desales.libguides.com/nahm/resources
[4] https://iste.org/blog/15-resources-for-teaching-native-american-history-and-culture
[5] https://www.pghschools.org/departments/office-of-equity/learningresources/native-american-heritage