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| Lesson 9: Education and the Founding of the Academies
1 class period (85 minutes)
From the late 17th century Massachusetts required schools for each town that had over 50 inhabitants. A school lot was often set-aside in early town designs. Education that provided one with the ability to read the Bible was at the heart of Protestantism. Massachusetts required that education be made available to both boys and girls, specifically addressing its importance in its state Constitution of 1779. After the Revolutionary War, many young men and
women from established families attended newly formed academies
that offered a classical curricula to the young "scholars."
For an additional fee, girls could also take lessons in the "ornamental
arts," including painting and embroidery with classical, Biblical,
or patriotic subject matter, as well as mapmaking. Attitudes toward
educating young women were mixed. Many believed that the education
of young women was important to the survival of the young republic
because they played a crucial role in educating their sons, future
leaders of our country. Men are, after all, women's work. On the
public stage men act the parts their mothers taught them.
Understandings
Skills
1. Read Teacher Background Essay: Education in 18th century Deerfield: An Overview Further Background Readings: Unger, Harlow Giles. The Life and Times of Noah Webster: An American Patriot. New York: Wiley, 1998. Moorehead, Andrea and Robert. Deerfield Academy 1797-1997. Deerfield, MA: Deerfield Academy Press, 1997.
Primary and Secondary Sources: (found on American Centuries website unless otherwise noted)
Debate participation. |
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