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This heavily illustrated presentation examines New Jersey’s rich Native American heritage. It begins with a discussion of the sources archaeologists use to inform their work, including artifacts, archaeological sites, colonial documents, and oral histories. Then, using a series of case studies the cultural history of the region is examined from the earliest Paleoindian pathfinders over 10,000 years ago through to the Lenape of the historic period. We see the changing lifestyles of New Jersey’s native inhabitants as the environment they lived in slowly evolved. The experience of the Lenape in the historic period is also examined through a series of case studies. The presence and continuing importance of Native Americans to the region today is also discussed.
Richard Veit, PhD, RPA is Professor of Anthropology and Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University.
This FREE program is open to all, and is hosted by Plainfield Public Library and the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum.
Our programs are made possible in part by operating support grants from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State - additionally through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks and Recreation; and by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.