DEERFIELD — Deerfield was the western-most edge of the British empire in 1704. It was also on the rim of the French empire. Not to mention, it sat on the land of the native peoples.
This unique arrangement lends the name “Living on the Edge of Empire” to the pair of workshops the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association of Old Deerfield plans to host in July with the help of funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The February 1704 French and Indian attacks on Deerfield will be the focus of NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture workshops for teachers, and educators from across the nation who are invited to submit applications to study the historic event. The PVMA will host two one-week workshop sessions (July 10 to 15, and July 24 to 29) that are open to public and private educators of kindergarten through 12th grade and to home school educators.
Applications must be postmarked by March 1. Each workshop is limited to 36 participants. Workshop details and application information are available at http://edge-empire.deerfield-ma.org. Questions about the application process or the workshops should be directed to Lynne Manring, the director of the Deerfield Teachers’ Center at the PVMA, at 413-774-7476, ext. 33, or lmanring@deerfield.history.museum.
PVMA Executive Director Tim Neumann expects to receive two applications for each available spot.
“The whole purpose is to use resources in historic landmark districts, so the NEH came up with the idea that teachers should be familiar with these resources and use it in their classroom when possible,” said Neumann. He mentioned applicants don’t need to have a great deal of knowledge of the Deerfield raid, but must possess a strong interest in learning more about the subject matter.
In the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 29, 1704, roughly 300 French and Native allies attacked the English settlement of Deerfield, situated on contested land in the Pocumtuck homeland. One hundred and twelve Deerfield men, women, and children were captured and taken on a 300-mile forced march to Canada in harsh winter conditions. Those who survived the march were held for ransom or adopted. Though 62 captives were later redeemed and returned to Deerfield, 26 opted to remain with their captors. Neumann said it remains one of the pivotal events of early New England history.
The workshops are free of charge and participants will receive a $1,200 stipend to help offset expenses. Professional Development Points or Continuing Education Units are also awarded. The workshops will be led by historians, including Kevin Sweeney, Marge Bruchac, John Demos and Joanne Melish, as well as members of the PVMA Teachers’ Center and Historic Deerfield staff. Neumann said each day will feature lectures before participants are broken down into smaller groups intended to strike up spirited conversation and analysis. He said field excursions to other museums of the period and to an archaeological dig are also planned. Evening programs are expected to include first-person presentations, period food, music and dance.
This is the second year these workshops have been held in Old Deerfield. Neumann said teachers come from nearby towns as well as places as far away as California.
You can reach Domenic Poli at
413-772-0261, ext. 257.
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