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Field Trips

Slavery & Freedom in Salem - Middle School

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Grade Level:

Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade

Subject:

Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies

Common Core Standards:

6-8.RH.1, 6-8.RH.2, 6.RI.1, 7.RI.1, 8.RI.1, 8.SL.1

State Standards:

Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science (Grade 8) 8.T4, (Grades 6-8) RCA-H #1 & #2, SLCA #1

Join us in a program to engage students in the history of slavery using place and primary source documents. 

Park rangers will guide students through discussions and activities centered on the history of slavery and gradual emancipation in Massachusetts during the years 1740-1810. This program takes place primarily outdoors exploring the historic wharves, buildings, and waterfront that make up Salem Maritime. 

Park rangers can facilitate this program with a greater focus on 1) slavery's central role in the local maritime economy or 2) the lived experiences of enslaved and free people in Salem. A program that gives equal time to both requires additional time and a short break. Please allow up to 2.5 hours. 

Details

Grade levels: 6th -8th
Maximum group size: 25 students
Teachers & chaperones: 1 adult required per 10 students
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: free of charge

Objectives

Depending on program focus, students will be able to:

• Describe the Triangular Trade, and the role New England played. 
• Compare and contrast the living and working conditions of enslaved and free Africans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 
• Collectively consider the meanings of power and freedom. Explain how some enslaved people fought to assert their own agency. 

Pre & post-visit activities

Explore "Quest for Omitted History" and other relevant lesson plans and student activities with primary sources. 

Extend your visit 

Students can take the "Business of Slavery" self-guided tour at home or at the park on a mobile device using the NPS App. Explore more ideas for a self-guided field trip. 

Scheduling

Email us to schedule a program. Please include information from "Details" section above. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Interested in joining us to pilot a new program?

Note in your email if you would like a park ranger to visit your classroom before or after your field trip at the park. 

This program was made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support of partners including Union Pacific Railroad and donors across the country. 

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