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Lesson Plan

Interpreting Historical Documents

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of 17th century  handwriting and writing style to transcribe a page from Justice William Cushing’s case notes dated 1783. Students will collaborate with classmates to organize the pages in the correct order and create a full transcription of the document. Students will also interpret the text to complete the Document Analysis form provided by the National  Archives.

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More Teaching Resources

Further Topics for Consideration

  1. How did the geography and environment of Barre effect residents ability and desire to own slaves?

  2.  Isabel Caldwell inherited Quock from her late husband, how did her second marriage to Nathaniel Jennison change her ability to own property and make decisions for herself and family?

  3. How could Quock solicit two of the nations leading lawyers to represent his case?

  4. How was the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 and end to slavery? What can the drafters tell us about the meaning behind the "free and equal clause"?

  5. What economics were at play between 1750-1790 that effected Nathaniel Jennison and other slave holders in Massachusetts?

  6. How could science bring further understanding to Quock Walker and his life?

  7. Why may have Quock purposefully omitted himself from vital records?

  8. Since no record exists, where could Quock and Elizabeth Walker been buried?

  9. What would ahve motivated Quock to take the last name of Walker?

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