Join the Bristol Land Conservation Trust (BLCT) on Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m., at Mount Hope Farm for a special presentation, After the Mayflower: What Really Happened Between the Pokanokets and the English.
In March of 1621, Osamequin—known to the English as Massasoit of the Pokanoket Tribe— met with Pilgrim Governor John Carver and established a treaty of mutual protection. This agreement led to nearly 40 years of largely peaceful relations between the Pokanokets and the English colonists, lasting until the outbreak of King Philip’s War in 1675.
In this presentation, Dr. David Weed, historian for the Sowams Heritage Area Project, will explore these events from the colonial perspective while Pokanoket Tribal Historian Strong Turtle will share the same story from the Indigenous perspective. Together, they will offer a deeper and more complete understanding of this pivotal moment in history that took place in and around Bristol, Rhode Island.
The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Mount Hope Farm barn, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol. The fee is $15 per person with a maximum of $25 per family, payable at the door. The program is free for BLCT members. Become a BLCT member that evening and the event is free. For more information, email BristolLandTrust@gmail.com or call (401) 225-4903. Light refreshments will be served.
About the Speakers:
Dr. David Weed, a retired clinical psychologist who lives in Warren, RI, developed a deep interest in the history of the 17th century in his local area. His research led him to create SowamsEarlyHistory.org, a website that now contains more than 600 pages dedicated to early local history. This year, he also launched KPW350.org, a website commemorating the 350th anniversary of King Philip’s War.
Don “Strong Turtle” Brown, Jr. is the Pokanoket Tribal Historian, an educator, and a direct descendant of Massasoit Ousamequin, Metacom (King Philip), and Simeon Simon. He works to corroborate Pokanoket oral history with primary sources to support accurate historical interpretation and sovereignty. He holds a Master’s in Urban Teaching from Providence College and has spoken at universities and historical societies. He also consults on historical works and leads professional development programs on Pokanoket history for educators in the Bristol and Barrington school districts.