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Wood Duck Effigy Pipe

Natives' very existence was tied to natural elements. This wood duck pipe is just one example of the blurred lines between religious, social, etc. elements of native society.

Catlinite Figurine

Catlinite was a popular trade item among natives three hundred years ago, often used to make beads. This figurine is a rare use of the material. The fact that Ohio natives had access to this material illustrates the extent of trade networks and importance of trade to the tribes.

Bullet Mold and Skinning Blade

both the skinning knife and bullet mold would have been instruments of survival for natives, particularly after the arrival of Europeans, from whom they likely attained these items.

Ohio Country Map

This map is significant as it is one of the oldest of the Ohio country. Created in 1764, this map was used by Col. Thomas Hutchins as he navigated the territory to negotiate terms with local natives. This is early in the story of Ohio as a contest ground between European powers, anxious to subdue the natives and divide the land, and the natives.

Chief Tarhe Portrait

Chief Tarhe, a local Wyandot, participated in the Battle of Fallen Timbers and the subsequent peace negotiations at Greenville. He pledged to live from then on in peace with the white man, and became a leader among his people, helping them adapt to life as conquered peoples.

Arthur St. Clair Letter to Governor Huntington of Connecticut

There are several possibilities for using this document in class. One could use this document in a lesson specifically on the Indian resistance in the Northwest Territory prior to Fallen Timbers / Greenville. Of course, students could be asked to critique St. Clair's telling of the story: Did he leave anything out? What is his explanation of what happened and why? etc. One might also decide to use this document as part of a concurrent study of Little Big Horn. What are the parallels? Why is St. Clair's defeat (or Little Turtle, et al.'s victory) less known despite a higher casualty rate?, etc.

Signing of the Treaty of Green Ville Painting

Howard Chandler Christy's painting would lend itself easily to a lesson that asks students to analyze the work as a primary source. Why did the author create the source? What, if any, elements of bias are depicted? What imagery does the author use and why? etc. Also gives students the ability to visualize the event, thereby deepening their understanding and appreciation of the event.

Tecumseh Ceremonial Pipe

This image of Tecumseh's ceremonial pipe could be used during a lesson on Tecumseh himself and/or native ceremonial customs. The calumet, or peace pipe, is a common image of native culture. This artifact is also significant in light of Tecumseh's fervent commitment to maintain native customs and culture in spite of ever-encroaching Euro- American influence. Students could study the cirmstances surrounding the ceremonial use of the pipe itself. Why and when was it used? What was its importance to native cultural practices? etc.

John Melish Map of Ohio

The Melish map of Ohio could be used when studying America's trans-Appalachian expansion and native resistance. Melish's map vividly illustrates for students the order with which Ohio was organized and divided for settlement, down to the township level. Also, it includes the land allocated as Indian territory in accordance with the Greenville Treaty. Students could be asked to analyze the patterns of settlement of Ohio; connections to Ohio's river systems; evaluate the "wisdom" of the organization, etc.

Lord's Prayer Written in the Wyandot Language

This letter would be well used for a lesson on native religious practices and the influences of Christianity on native tribes. Students could analyze the purpose of such a document, why the Lord's prayer was chosen, the significance of the document being written in the Wyandot language, etc. Students could analyze and evaluate the role and impact of missionaries among native tribes.