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.

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Art, care & community

William A. Martin

1830–1907

Edgartown Harbor on Martha’s Vineyard. William A. Martin’s life and whaling career are part of this island’s maritime history. This is a place photograph, not a portrait.
Edgartown Harbor on Martha’s Vineyard. William A. Martin’s life and whaling career are part of this island’s maritime history. This is a place photograph, not a portrait. Image source & credit ↗
Massachusetts connection

Edgartown and Martha’s Vineyard

Martin became a Black whaling captain from Martha’s Vineyard. His life adds a story of skill and leadership to the island’s maritime history. The African American Heritage Trail remembers him and his family. Local history includes workers and neighbors as well as presidents and generals.

You can use your device’s reading tools or read with a partner.

Your turn, historian

Find a detail. Build an idea.

  1. What did this person or group do? Point to a detail in the reading.
  2. How can making art, teaching, or caring for others change a community?
  3. What would you like to find out next? Which kind of source could help?

“William A. Martin mattered because ___. A detail that supports my idea is ___.”

Follow the evidence.

This short reading is an original classroom summary. Open the source with your teacher to check details and learn more.

Read the source: mvafricanamericanheritagetrail.org ↗

Ask: Who made this source? What can it tell us? What might it leave out?

Keep exploring

Edmonia Lewis →Ruth Wakefield →Rebecca Lee Crumpler →Compare two lives →
Explore the six lessons →Image credits & sources →
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