Primary Sources, Student Activities
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Common Core Standards:
- 9-10.RH.1, 9-10.RH.2, 9-10.RH.3, 9-10.RH.4, 9-10.RH.6, 9-10.RH.9, 11-12.RH.1, 11-12.RH.2, 11-12.RH.3, 11-12.RH.4, 11-12.RH.6, 11-12.RH.8, 11-12.RH.9
- State Standards:
- Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science
Grade 5: Topic 1 (5.T1) #7, #7A
High School - US History I: Topic 1 (USI.T1) #1, #5
Students examine a 1776 copy of the "American Gazette," an 18th-century Salem newspaper. This issue was the first time the Declaration of Independence appeared in a Salem newspaper. It also included two advertisements mentioning enslaved people - one having escaped, the other "for sale."
Students use evidence from the document and background knowledge to explore how enslaved people experienced the American Revolution.
Procedure
- Students read background information found in student materials packet.
- Students examine two primary source documents (from the same newspaper).
- Students use primary source evidence and knowledge of history to complete a graphic organizer.
A Note on Language
Over the course of American history, the language used to describe Black people has changed and most likely will continue to change. Be sure to discuss with students that some of the primary sources use outdated terms as well as racist and offensive language to describe Black people. We recommend developing a plan or guidelines to ensure a respectful, reflective classroom lesson.A Note on Transcriptions
The primary source transcriptions included in student materials are heavily modified for length and clarity. We have worked to keep the documents representative of their original versions. You can find original transcriptions in materials below.Materials
Student Materials: background information, modified primary sources, and a graphic organizer.
Original Transcriptions: original transcriptions of primary source documents.
Last updated: February 25, 2023