The Real Story of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Indians - Speaking with an Expert at the Virginia Historical Society

This afternoon, 5th grade students at Roosevelt spoke with an expert at the Virginia Historical Society to learn about the Powhatan Indians and Pocahontas.  Much of what historians now know about the Indians we call "the Powhatans" is derived from English sources, as the Powhatans had no written language.  Using primary sources as well as replica artifacts created by Mattaponi Indians, students learned about what life was like in Virginia before the first English settlers made it their home.

Students identified the various natural resources used by Native American men, women, and children to make their tools and clothing. Students were engaged in a discussion about Pocahontas and the myths associated with her life.

They learned that Pocahontas was not her real name, but rather the nickname given to her by her father which meant mischievous one.  Students found out that Pocahontas was 11 and John Smith around 30 when they met and that they were only friends.  Pocahontas actually married her tutor John Rolfe and changer her name to Rebecca after she converted to Christianity.

Students were also able to ask questions about what they had heard or what they still wanted to know.

Students were left gaining a great deal of knowledge and understanding of life of the native americans daily lives and the true history of Pocahontas.