Educators Book Group

HSCC's book groups are for any educator who wishes to interact with their peers in an engaging setting to discuss a range of books on a particular theme or time period. Participants will also be exposed to the primary resources available in the HSCC archive. The range of books are appropriate for all grade levels, including scholarly, juvenile, and young children's books. For information on the book group, please contact Tom Haynes by email or at 352-1895.

This four session book group will give educators an opportunity to enhance their knowledge on Abenaki culture and history through a variety of readings and facilitated by Bob Goodby, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University. Topics to be discussed through the readings will include the archaeology in the Monadnock Region, interpreting local Native American history, Abenaki history in northern New England, how Abenaki people maintained aspects of their culture and identity during the 19th and 20th century, and appropriate children's books to use in the classroom.

Wednesday March 7:  Session 1
Aunt Sarah: Woman of the Dawnland by Trudy Ann Parker. Based on the authors own family stories and legends, she weaves together a tale about how one Abenaki band services during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Wednesday March 21:  Session 2
"11,000 Years on the Ashuelot" by Bob Goodby. This article will lead us into a discussion on the archaeology in the Monadnock region.

Review and discussion of children and juvenile books. These books will be available to check out at the first session.

Wednesday April 11:  Session 3
Bowman's Store: A Journal to Myself by Joseph Bruchac. Bruchac tells how he came to fully understand, and eventually claim, his Abenaki heritage, despite his grandparents’ unspoken pact never to discuss Grandpa’s Indian blood.

Wednesday April 25:  Session 4
"Sokoki: Homeland from Monadnock" by Marge Bruchac. This discussion will focus on local Abenaki history and how to interpret local Abenaki stories from a Native perspective.

Review and discussion of children and juvenile books. These books will be available to check out at the third session.

Participants will earn 8 professional development credits for attending all four sessions. Cost, which includes books, handouts, and refreshments, is $25.00. Registration is required and is limited to 15 educators. To register or for further information, contact Tom Haynes by email or at 352-1895.

HSCC is located at 246 Main Street in Keene.