Indigenous History Resources

In November, the National Constitution Center is hosting a series of programs highlighting the history of Indigenous peoples.  

America's Town Hall: Native Peoples and Redefining U.S. History

Wednesday, November 1 | Noon ET

*Great for advanced learners

Join historians Ned Blackhawk, Brenda Child, and Richard White for a conversation on Blackhawk’s national bestseller, The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History—a sweeping retelling of American history. They will explore five centuries of U.S. history to shed light on the central role Indigenous peoples have played in shaping our nation’s narrative. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

To see a full list of America's Town Hall programs and to register, visit our website.

Civic Stories: Indigenous Influence on the Constitution

Friday, November 3 | Noon ET

*Great for younger learners

What intellectual sources did the founders use when drafting the Constitution? Join us as we examine the influence Indigenous peoples and tribal governments like the Iroquois Confederacy had on the founders and the ideas enshrined in the Constitution. 

To see a full list of virtual museum experiences and to register, visit our website.

Civic Stories: History of Thanksgiving

Friday, November 17 | Noon ET

Learn about the Wampanoag people who lived in what is now New England, and the historic meal they shared with European settlers in 1621. We’ll explore more about the Wampanoag and their culture, the events leading up to the harvest feast that year, and what food would have been eaten (it may surprise you).

To see a full list of virtual museum experiences and to register, visit our website.

Primary Text: Speech at Vincennes

Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader who was born around 1768, is best known for organizing a confederation of Native nations to combat the settlers flooding into native lands following the Treaty of Fort Wayne, an 1809 agreement made with some nations in the Indiana Territory, requiring the sale of 3 million acres to the United States government. In a speech to the territorial governor, William Henry Harrison, Tecumseh challenged the treaty, arguing that it was impossible for individual groups to agree to land sales, because the land belonged to Native people collectively.

Search the Founders’ Library for texts that have shaped the American constitutional tradition or the Supreme Court Cases Library for materials on the most influential Supreme Court cases in American history.

Professional Learning for Educators

The Bill of Rights Featuring Stuart Leibiger

Wednesday, November 15 | 6:30–8 p.m. ET

In this session, participants explore the Bill of Rights—its rights, its protections and limitations on government—and the process by which it was discussed, debated, and ratified. We will also examine the role of the 14th Amendment in many Bill of Rights-related questions in the modern day. Professor Stuart Leibiger of La Salle University joins us. 

Thank you for being part of our community of educators. If you have any questions we’d love to hear from you. Please email the education team at [email protected].

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