Debating Slavery

In this video segment adapted from Africans in America, learn how the issue of slavery shaped the debate at the U.S. Constitutional Convention.

From Slavery to Freedom in Colonial Times

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, students examine the life of Venture Smith, an African man enslaved in America, to learn about the experiences of enslaved and free African Americans in the New England colonies.

The Life of Venture Smith

In this video segment adapted from Africans in America, learn about Venture Smith's early experiences as a slave in the American colonies.

Slavery and the U.S. Constitution

In this lesson designed to enhance literacy skills, students explore how delegates to the U.S. Constitutional Convention in 1787 addressed slavery in the Constitution as they debated the idea of fair representation in the government.

Slaves in New Amsterdam

This video from Dutch New York uncovers the story of enslaved Africans, some of New Netherland’s earliest yet unrecognized residents.

Accessibility features: Transcript

Trade and Commerce

In this segment from Dutch New York, learn about the fur trade in New Netherland as well as the purchase of Manhattan Island.

Accessibility features: Transcript