For over a year, the Reading Public Library has been forging a relationship with the Massachusett Tribe to understand the history of this land and its peoples.
In late September, we hosted a community beading project, the final part of a four-part series, “Beads and Stories: Indigenous Jewelry Making Workshop,” designed for ages 10+. Thomas Green, Indigenous artist, and Massachusett Tribe Educator/Historian, injected Massachusett knowledge and history into each session.
October’s workshop participants created individual pieces depicting the three sisters (bean, corn, and squash) and the symbol the Squaw Sachem used to sign documents and agreements with the early English colonizers.
Mr. Green is now working to combine the individual pieces into a communal jewelry set that will be returned to us in several months.
This series and the final project showcase the presence and importance of the Massachsett Tribe in state and local history and create a meaningful story of community for future generations.
Thank you to the FRPL for sponsoring this series.