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At the Bend in the River:
Native American History and Archaeology

Indigenous peoples occupied New England and our Merrimack River Valley for at least ten thousand years before European explorers and English colonists came to North America. They adapted to the changing ecosystem as the glaciers melted, altering their hunting habits from big game to smaller animals and fishing in the vast network of newly formed rivers, streams and lakes. They were the consummate stewards of our fragile environment – knowledgeable about the bounties of the water, earth, fauna and flora.

This program is a historical and archaeological exploration of the once bustling indigenous Merrimack River settlement in Andover known as “the bend in the river”, occupied by the Penacook-Abenaki, the descendants of whom are still living amongst us in New England and Canada.

The entire 4th grade class at each public elementary school in Andover first views a facilitated slide presentation highlighting the Native American culture as observed in the 16th and 17th centuries by explorers, colonists, fur traders, priests and by stories passed down through the generations of Abenaki-Penacook peoples. They are also introduced to the study of archaeology.

Then, classrooms travel to an area next to the Merrimack River where a major archaeological dig occurred in the 1980s. There, they become archaeology detectives as they explore a simulated dig site chockful of real artifacts used by the Native Americans in New England.

Location: In-school or outside along the Merrimack River, Deer Jump Reservation
Program Length: 1 hour
Topics: Andover history, Native American history, archaeology, observation, object analysis
Grade Level: 4
​​Schedule a program:  call Martha Tubinis at 978-475-2236 or email mtubinis@andoverhistoryandculture.org

The development of  At the Bend in the River was funded in part by grants from the the Andover Cultural Council,  the Rotary Club of Andover, and the  Andona Society.

Thank you to Andover’s Pre-K through 12 Social Studies Program for their enthusiastic support for bringing local history into the Andover Public Schools at all grade levels.

From Martha Tubinis, the History Center's Director of Programs
​November 2024

"The Fall Season finished with our second year conducting the 4th grade Native American history and archaeology program.

All Andover 4th graders were given a 30 minute Powerpoint presentation wherein they learn about our post – glacier ecosystem, how the indigenous people lived and what is the science of archaeology.

Next day, they were bused to a site along the Merrimack called “the bend in the river” (in Andover) where indigenous peoples farmed, hunted and fished for 10,000 years. There, they undertook an archaeology activity wherein they are archaeologists attempting to decipher real artifacts found in the vicinity of where the activity is occurring.

It’s an eye-opening experience for the students and makes a lasting impression. Hopefully, we have sparked their curiosity to learn more about the peoples who lived here before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century."

Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community

Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236

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The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.

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