MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

Massachusetts & Martha’s Vineyard

Time detectives

Put six events in order. Then add a sourced event and inspect the spaces between years.

Drag a card, or use its Earlier and Later buttons. Equal-size cards help you sort; the number line below shows proportional time.

1892

West Tisbury becomes a town

West Tisbury separates from Tisbury. The land’s human history is much older than this municipal boundary.

Modern context photograph; not a photograph from the event date.Source record ↗
1602

Gosnold’s New England voyage

The Concord visits Cape Cod and the islands; the planned settlement on Cuttyhunk is abandoned.

Map published in 1706, after the event.Source record ↗
1987

Aquinnah Tribe gains federal recognition

Federal recognition concerns a government relationship; it is not the beginning of Wampanoag identity or community.

Modern context photograph; not a photograph from the event date.Source record ↗
1770

Boston Massacre

Investigate Paul Revere’s print and compare it with other accounts.

Historical print made in 1770.Source record ↗
1780

Massachusetts Constitution

A written framework establishes the state government. Its promises invite questions about unequal rights.

Modern context photograph; not a photograph from the event date.Source record ↗
1775

Fighting at Lexington and Concord

The events of April 19 become part of the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

Modern context photograph; not a photograph from the event date.Source record ↗

1602 · Gosnold’s New England voyage1770 · Boston Massacre1775 · Fighting at Lexington and Concord1780 · Massachusetts Constitution1892 · West Tisbury becomes a town1987 · Aquinnah Tribe gains federal recognition

Add an event with evidence

New events are student entries. Check their dates with your source; the site does not verify them automatically.

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