Parent Institution Name
Address
483 Great Neck Rd. South, Mashpee, MA 02649
Supervisor Email
Project Details
Project Summary:
Title: Promises Broken, Sacrifices Made - Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's Reflections of the 250th Revolutionary War Anniversary Initiative
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's Historic Preservation Department (THPD) is embarking on a significant initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War from the Tribe's unique perspective. This initiative aims to shed light on the Tribe's role in the war, its contributions to the establishment of the country, and the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous people. By leveraging partnerships with the local Institutions and supported by state funding, the Tribe seeks to develop a comprehensive and impactful program that includes short-term events and long-term exhibit developments. This project is supported by generous funding from the Mass Cultural Council and the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB).
Project Objectives
Historical Research and Narrative Development:
Conduct thorough research to uncover the Tribe's involvement in the Revolutionary War, understanding the reasoning contemplated that supported aligning with the colonists, and explore the sacrifices made by Mashpee Wampanoag individuals and the effects on their families’ with a goal of developing a comprehensive narrative that showcases the impacts upon the Tribe's as a result of the war.
1. Future Goals Informed by Research Project:
• Explore Gender and Family Impacts: Explore and share the impact of men's service in the Revolutionary War on tribal women, families, and the broader Mashpee Wampanoag community.
o Highlight the experiences and contributions of women during this period.
• Develop storytelling Aids: Utilize a combination of physical panels and digital exhibits to convey the Tribe's narrative effectively.
o Incorporate multimedia elements, artifacts, documents, and personal stories to engage both Tribal members and the wider public.
• Educational Outreach: Develop programming and events to educate both the Tribe's youth and the general public about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's history, culture, and contributions.
o The educational piece aims to highlight the Tribe's unique legacy and the challenges navigating historic oppression and adversity.
2. Project Developments: We have already obtained grant opportunities and awarded funding to for this initiative and it’s various components, including research, programming, exhibit development, and educational outreach.
3. Comprehensive Strategic Plan:
Phase 1: Internship and Community Engagement (1st quarter 2026)
a) Assemble a research team consisting of Tribal Archivist, historians, and interns.
b) Recruit interns seeking field placement experience to assist the Tribal Archivist with research and exhibit development.
c) Provide interns with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience in historical research, curation, and programming.
d) Identify primary and secondary sources related to the Tribe's involvement in the Revolutionary War.
Phase 2: Research and Narrative Development (2nd quarter 2026)
a) Review identified primary and secondary sources relating to our Tribe's involvement in the Revolutionary War.
b) Assess, evaluate and recommend Revolutionary War narratives for consideration.
c) Conduct interviews with Tribal elders and descendants to gather oral history and personal accounts relative to identified materials.
d) Refine a comprehensive narrative that reflects contemplations, and necessitated the Tribe's support of the colonists, review supporting documents, entangle sacrifices made, and illustrates the subsequent challenges faced.
e) Generate mapping that depicts Wampanoag Veterans Service
Phase 2: Exhibit Development and Programming (3rd quarter 2026)
a) Collaborate with historians, curators, and exhibit designers to create physical and digital exhibits.
b) Design interactive displays that incorporate multimedia elements, artifacts, and personal stories.
c) Develop educational programming, workshops, and events to engage both Tribal members and the public.
d) Establish partnerships with local schools to integrate the initiative into their curriculum.
Phase 3: Grant Completion (4th quarter 2026)
a) Finalize Grant outcomes
b) Organize community engagement sessions to gather feedback, insights, and additional historical resources from Tribal members.
Phase 5: Execution and Evaluation (1st quarter 2027)
a) Launch the short-term programming and exhibits to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
b) Monitor attendance, engagement, and participant feedback during events and exhibitions.
c) Assess the impact of the initiative on Tribal members' understanding of their history and on public perception.
Our Historic Preservation Department plan will effectively commemorate the Tribe's contributions to the Revolutionary War and shed light on our ongoing journey towards social justice, autonomy and equal rights. Through Institutional collaboration we hope to conduct the necessary research required to inform and develop educational materials, storytelling aids and inform future museum exhibits that provide historical insight into our shared Tribal communal history.
Additionally, this research will inform and educate the general public on the sacrifices our community made in the pursuit of equality, freedoms and civil liberties and stipulate internal community discussions reflecting upon the things many Americans appreciate today, and Native Americans continue to pursue.
Title: Promises Broken, Sacrifices Made - Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's Reflections of the 250th Revolutionary War Anniversary Initiative
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's Historic Preservation Department (THPD) is embarking on a significant initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War from the Tribe's unique perspective. This initiative aims to shed light on the Tribe's role in the war, its contributions to the establishment of the country, and the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous people. By leveraging partnerships with the local Institutions and supported by state funding, the Tribe seeks to develop a comprehensive and impactful program that includes short-term events and long-term exhibit developments. This project is supported by generous funding from the Mass Cultural Council and the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB).
Project Objectives
Historical Research and Narrative Development:
Conduct thorough research to uncover the Tribe's involvement in the Revolutionary War, understanding the reasoning contemplated that supported aligning with the colonists, and explore the sacrifices made by Mashpee Wampanoag individuals and the effects on their families’ with a goal of developing a comprehensive narrative that showcases the impacts upon the Tribe's as a result of the war.
1. Future Goals Informed by Research Project:
• Explore Gender and Family Impacts: Explore and share the impact of men's service in the Revolutionary War on tribal women, families, and the broader Mashpee Wampanoag community.
o Highlight the experiences and contributions of women during this period.
• Develop storytelling Aids: Utilize a combination of physical panels and digital exhibits to convey the Tribe's narrative effectively.
o Incorporate multimedia elements, artifacts, documents, and personal stories to engage both Tribal members and the wider public.
• Educational Outreach: Develop programming and events to educate both the Tribe's youth and the general public about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's history, culture, and contributions.
o The educational piece aims to highlight the Tribe's unique legacy and the challenges navigating historic oppression and adversity.
2. Project Developments: We have already obtained grant opportunities and awarded funding to for this initiative and it’s various components, including research, programming, exhibit development, and educational outreach.
3. Comprehensive Strategic Plan:
Phase 1: Internship and Community Engagement (1st quarter 2026)
a) Assemble a research team consisting of Tribal Archivist, historians, and interns.
b) Recruit interns seeking field placement experience to assist the Tribal Archivist with research and exhibit development.
c) Provide interns with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience in historical research, curation, and programming.
d) Identify primary and secondary sources related to the Tribe's involvement in the Revolutionary War.
Phase 2: Research and Narrative Development (2nd quarter 2026)
a) Review identified primary and secondary sources relating to our Tribe's involvement in the Revolutionary War.
b) Assess, evaluate and recommend Revolutionary War narratives for consideration.
c) Conduct interviews with Tribal elders and descendants to gather oral history and personal accounts relative to identified materials.
d) Refine a comprehensive narrative that reflects contemplations, and necessitated the Tribe's support of the colonists, review supporting documents, entangle sacrifices made, and illustrates the subsequent challenges faced.
e) Generate mapping that depicts Wampanoag Veterans Service
Phase 2: Exhibit Development and Programming (3rd quarter 2026)
a) Collaborate with historians, curators, and exhibit designers to create physical and digital exhibits.
b) Design interactive displays that incorporate multimedia elements, artifacts, and personal stories.
c) Develop educational programming, workshops, and events to engage both Tribal members and the public.
d) Establish partnerships with local schools to integrate the initiative into their curriculum.
Phase 3: Grant Completion (4th quarter 2026)
a) Finalize Grant outcomes
b) Organize community engagement sessions to gather feedback, insights, and additional historical resources from Tribal members.
Phase 5: Execution and Evaluation (1st quarter 2027)
a) Launch the short-term programming and exhibits to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
b) Monitor attendance, engagement, and participant feedback during events and exhibitions.
c) Assess the impact of the initiative on Tribal members' understanding of their history and on public perception.
Our Historic Preservation Department plan will effectively commemorate the Tribe's contributions to the Revolutionary War and shed light on our ongoing journey towards social justice, autonomy and equal rights. Through Institutional collaboration we hope to conduct the necessary research required to inform and develop educational materials, storytelling aids and inform future museum exhibits that provide historical insight into our shared Tribal communal history.
Additionally, this research will inform and educate the general public on the sacrifices our community made in the pursuit of equality, freedoms and civil liberties and stipulate internal community discussions reflecting upon the things many Americans appreciate today, and Native Americans continue to pursue.
Are you willing to complete two evaluations of your students progress through out the course of the semester?
Yes
Requirements
CORI Checks may be required to obtain a Tribal pass to use when entering the Community and Government building, be able to work collaboratively with others in a team setting, have their own transportation (active driver's license), and have or obtain credentials to access research facilities. We are looking for self-motivated individuals who require minimal direction and oversight, ideally.
Supervisor Phone
1774327006
How many positions do you have available?
2
Supervisor Name
David Weeden
Course Option
LIS 438
Semester
Spring 2026
Department
Tribal Historic Preservation - Archives
State
MA
Availability
We are open typically Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30 throughout the year, except where holidays fall. We work out of the Tribal Community and Government Center and prefer in-person work; although research at external institutions is valued on this project, so we are flexible. This can be discussed when developing a schedule towards completion.