Related Resources
Telling the American Story
The American story has been profoundly shaped by American Indians, yet the stories told about Indians are often false and almost always incomplete. What do we gain by telling stories that may not be true? What do we lose? In this program, students will examine two key events in American history—the first Thanksgiving and the life of Pocahontas—to uncover the hidden stories behind them.
This program is tied to the Americans exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
learning objectives
- Discuss two familiar stories—the first Thanksgiving and the life of Pocahontas—and identify parts of these stories (characters, setting, conflict, etc.) that make them interesting and give them staying power.
- Explore multiple perspectives and identify the parts of these familiar stories that are false and/or incomplete.
- Examine the ways in which American Indian stories are shared and how this impacts the way we remember them.
grades
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Subjects
History
Essential Understandings
2: Time, Continuity, and Change
Indigenous people played a significant role in the history of the Americas. Many of these historically important events and developments in the Americas shaped the modern world.
Academic Standards
College, Career & Civic Life—C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standard(s):
D2.His.12.9–12
Use questions generated about multiple historical sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources.
D2.His.5.9–12
Analyze how historical contexts shaped and continue to shape people's perspectives.
Registration
Use the calendar below to request a virtual field trip. Please note:
- All program times are in Eastern Time (ET).
- Programs must be requested at least 7 days in advance.
- Registration for this virtual field trip is now open through May. June slots are not available for this program. Virtual field trip slots are limited and available first come, first served.
Questions? Contact Group Reservations at NMAI-GroupReservations@si.edu.
