Introduction:
Our course is entitled "Modern World History." One of the key features of the Modern Period is the expansion of Europe that begins with the "discovery" and colonization of the Americas by European explorers and settlers. Using that as an entry point, I thought it would be interesting to begin the year with an inquiry into early cross-cultural contacts between French missionaries and Haudenosaunee that took place right here in Central New York. Because there is not one single text that would adequately serve as an introduction to this topic, I have instead created a WebQuest for your summer assignment. As you read through the following selections, please answer the questions below each, one at a time. You responses will vary in length, from one sentence to a paragraph or two. Try to answer the questions thoroughly, as this assignment will count as your first quarterly grade. You will then submit a typed set of responses on the first day of class. Please use standard conventions for written work (12 point font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins, etc.) and feel free to use bullets or numbered lists in whatever fashion helps you format the document. Please read through this entire post before you begin.
Historical Background:
The earliest sustained and well-documented exchange in this region began when the Jesuit missionary Simon Le Moyne was sent to Onondaga in 1653. Although Le Moyne soon departed, a French mission and trading settlement were later established and diplomatic relations between the French and Onondaga continued. Read the following two documents and answer the ensuing questions to establish a basic understanding of those events.
Le Moyne's Diary - account of first visit to Onondaga - **ONLY READ CHAPTERS VI & VII** (SCROLL DOWN)
- What was Le Moyne's primary purpose in making his expedition? What other goals did he and/or the people who sent him have?
- What geographic landmarks do you recognize from Le Moyne's account?
- What other Indians are present in the account? What does this show about the relationship between native cultures?
Thomas J. Campbell, "Simon Le Moyne"
- What was Le Moyne's background? Why was he selected for this mission?
- Was the mission successful? What other opportunities or problems arose as a result?
- What other Europeans appear in Le Moyne's life? What does his experience with them suggest about the relationship between Europeans in North America and within Europe?
Current Thinking About the Past:
Early in the course we must come to grips with the idea that history is more than just a record of things that happened in the past. History is made in the present, so it is shaped by the ways that past events impact us today. The following three documents are intended to illustrate that concept and also provide a Haudenosaunee perspective on these events.
Currently, there is an effort underway to re-purpose the "Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois" museum (located on Onondaga Lake Parkway). Until recently it has been operated by the Onondaga County Parks Department and its exhibits served to celebrate the colonial history of the Jesuits. At the beginning of 2013 its operation was taken over by the Onondaga Historical Association. Although it is not currently open, by 2014 it will re-open as the Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center. One major goal of that transition is to create a museum that better represents an Onondaga perspective on the arrival of Europeans in Haudenosaunee territory. Read the following three articles and answer the questions to begin thinking about how this past is remembered today.
Wikipedia page - "Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois" - for background
- Recap the history of the museum. When was it built? What problems arose with its construction and use?
Ska-nonh Center Hompage
- Who is taking part in the creation of the new museum? Why do you think it is collaborative? What benefits might that provide?
Philip R. Arnold, "The Ska-nonh - Great Law of Peace Center as Collaborative Space"
- Identify two major themes that the museum's exhibits will address.
- How will the Center present a Haudenosaunee perspective on the past? How will this differ from the way the past has been constructed through readings of European documents?
Next Steps:
I hope you enjoyed this assignment. I imagine some things were difficult to understand. Throughout September we will be discussing these topics in class, so you will have lots of opportunities to ask questions. I suggest you write some questions down as you go through the assignment so you can pose them in class. Then, on September 27th we will visit several locations that pertain to this subject during the sophomore class trip. Until then, enjoy your summer!
