Taking A Stand In History

NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION Taking a Stand in History Table of Contents Thinking Like a Historian, 2-3 Thinking Like a Historian 4 Taking a Stand: Sequoyah Being a History Detective and Cherokee Syllabary National History Day is a yearlong program engaging more than half a Taking a Stand: Clara Luper million students in the research, writing, interpretation, and presentation of 5 historical projects at a regional, state, and national level. Each year thousands 6 Politics in of Oklahoma students become young historians through participation in this program. Here is one activity that can help you be a young historian, too! 7 Taking a Stand: Dr. Zhudi What exactly IS of her speaking in that particular National History Day: Taking a considered an important time period. There are several types Stand in History project, his bypass historical event. While doing history? of primary documents so let’s take heart is an artifact that can be research for your National Simply, history is about people a look at a few examples. found on display at the Oklahoma History Day: Taking a Stand in from and events that have happened History Center. History project, you can go to the in the past. Historians are people OHS Research Library to find oral who study and sometimes write Written Documents histories that have been recorded about the past, and are thought of Most of the research historians Images or written down for use as primary as experts in their field of study. do is based on this type of evidence. Historians can also use sources. Historians are a lot like detectives, One reason is that this type of pictures, paintings, and prints searching for clues to answer evidence is easiest to verify, or in their research. Images can be questions. They must conduct a check if it from newspapers, photographs, What are lot of research, or gathering and is true and illustrations, advertisements, books, secondary examining of evidence. Historians accurate. tapestries, paintings, or other kinds Examples of art made during a specific time sources? must use evidence, or sources, from Secondary sources are sources of written period. many places in order to find out created after the event happened, documents the exact who, what, where, when, usually many years after. are things and why of a certain event. It is Oral Histories Secondary sources are based on the such as important that you are an informed Oral histories are interviews interpretation of primary sources. letters, history detective while researching that a historian conducts with a Secondary sources are a great way diaries, and your National History Day: Taking person who experienced an event to start your National History Day: ledgers. When researching written a Stand in History project. There in the past. These interviews can Taking a Stand in History project documents for your National are several types of evidence, but be audio recordings, video because they can point you toward History Day: Taking a Stand in historians break them into two recordings, or the primary sources used by the History project, make sure your categories: primary and secondary even written person who created the secondary documents are from reliable sources. down. Oral source. sources. histories are History books and What are primary different from encyclopedias are excellent starting sources? Artifacts media points in research as secondary Primary sources are writings Artifacts are objects from the sources. They can help historians or artifacts from a particular time past. They can be anything eating understand a little about the time period a historian is studying. If utensils, pots and pans, weapons, period they are researching, as well one is studying Clara Luper for or clothing. By examining how an as provide primary sources to study. their National History Day: Taking object was made, what it was used Documentaries are also valuable a Stand in History project, one of for, where it was found, and who secondary sources. They can the Clara Luper radio shows would it belonged to, an artifact can tell provide a broad picture in a small be considered a primary source us a lot about the people who used interviews, amount of time. because it is it that may not have been written because they a recording down. For example, if one is usually happen studying Dr. Nazih Zuhdi for their years after an event that is now 2 Taking a Stand in History Thinking Like a Historian, Being a History Detective

How do we know Why or why not? What was happening in that time that may if the evidence is have persuaded the author to write reliable? what they did? Historians have to check their If the source is an artifact sources in order to make sure they similar questions must be asked. are accurate. In order to prove Who made it? What was it used accuracy, there are several steps and for? Where and when was it questions a historian must ask. made? What is the maker’s The first thing a historian must perspective? (That one is useful do is to look at evidence objectively; for images.) Is it similar to other that is, without judgement. The items found from this time period? perspective of the historian may be What may have been happening in different than what the evidence the world that prompted them to shows, but the historian needs make this? to remain neutral in order to Historians have to determine understand and interpret the people if the evidence is bias, meaning it and events of the time period they only comes from one side of the are studying. While researching story. They also have to make sure your National History Day: Taking that the evidence is based on fact a Stand in History project, you will or opinion. If it is considered an need to make sure you are aware of opinion, it is not a reliable source. your sources biases because people Historians then have to look who created the sources will all at other artifacts from the time have biases or positions based on and compare them. Are there who they are as a person. Many other documents or artifacts that primary and secondary sources are share a similar story? Are there not unbiased but that can be used other documents or artifacts that to help support your thesis. disagree? If there are many to look A historian must ask several at, which ones are more reliable questions in order to prove the and why? authenticity of the source. If it is After the historian has verified written, who wrote it? What is the reliability of the source, the author’s perspective? Why did they must look at it closely to they write it? When and where was determine the significance of the it written? Is it a reliable source? object or document.

Please use these research tips, as well as the many resources available to you on the Oklahoma National History Day website, http://www.okhistory.org/historycenter/historyday.

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Taking a Stand in History Cherokee Syllabary How does developing Sequoyah wanted to make a Cherokee language. When he The Cherokee Syllabary was similar system of writing for the taught his daughter how to use eventually turned to type, and a written language fit in Cherokee despite some suspicions the syllabary, they were both presses helped provide newspapers, with National History Day: from members of the tribe. His charged with witchcraft because books, and other printed material Taking a Stand in History? development of this idea was of the superstitions of some tribal in the Cherokee language. The interrupted by his service in the members. syllabary was, and is, vital in the Sequoyah took a strong stand in War of 1812. After he proved the worth of preservation of Cherokee history. history for the advancement of his During the War of 1812, the writing, many warriors and Without Sequoyah’s stand about tribe. Sequoyah, born in Sequoyah noticed that the other tribal members asked him to teach written language for the Cherokee, Tennessee around 1775 soldiers were communicating with it to them. Not only used for their history may not be known to a Cherokee mother their families through writing communication between Cherokee today. and European father, something the Cherokees could not tribal members, it is also would began to notice how the do. This pushed him to create the be inspiration for other tribes Europeans communicated. Cherokee Syllabary after he came to have written languages and back from the war in 1814. The would benefit the Cherokees for syllabary includes 85 symbols that generations to come. The syllabary represent the sounds in the was presented to and adopted by the tribe in 1821. Sources: William L. Anderson, “Sequoyah,” Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=SE020 Cherokee Nation. “Sequoyah and the Cherokee Syllabary.” www.cherokee.org/AboutTheNation/History/Facts/SequoyahandtheCherokeeSyllabary Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, “Overcoming Challenges.” www.sequoyahmuseum.org/index.cfm/m/6 Artifact Analysis Suggested Grades Objectives Instructions 2-12 Artifacts are the objects of history. 1. Have students look at the photos Through artifacts, historians can of the Cherokee Syllabary type from 4. Have students sketch the artifact. learn more about the past. This the Cherokee Phoenix. 5. Have students describe how Overview activity will help students analyze Objects from the past, often the artifact may be used. What is material culture from the past and 2. Have students determine from referred to as artifacts, can help it used for? Who may have used it determine its use and importance. what the object is made. Is it us learn about both the items and metal, wood, stone, glass, paper, and why? Where the item would the individuals who used them. cardboard, cloth, bone, potter, or is be used? Help students to identify Sometimes items help us to identify Time Needed it a combination of materials? when the item may have been used. what kind of job someone had, One to two class periods for examination and research how much money they might 3. Have students describe the 6. Have students answer the have earned, or what culture was qualities of the artifact. What is its following questions: What does the dominant in an area. Materials Needed size, shape, color, and weight? Is it item tell us? Can you name similar Object/photo to be used for analysis written on or marked? Does it have items from different time periods? Access to library/internet resources movable pieces? Are parts missing? What does the item tell us about the for research person who used it?

Additional Information To learn more about National History Day in Oklahoma, you can contact us at 405-522-0785 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter/historyday. 4

Taking a Stand in History Clara Luper Interested in learning Oklahoma’s own Clara Luper. August 20, Clara Luper led the and other repeated sit-ins and more about the Civil Clara Luper was a monumental NAACP Youth Council to Katz demonstrations, part of the Drug Store and ordered meals passed its own desegregation Rights Movement? in Oklahoma. She took a stand at the whites only counter. As laws one month before President A great topic for National History against racism. Clara Luper was a expected, the group was denied Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act Day: Taking a Stand in History is graduate from service. After several weeks of of 1964. Clara Luper realized the and the first African American protest, the NAACP Youth Council importance of utilizing the sit-in to be admitted to the University and Clara Luper prevailed, having as a form of protest. While taking of Oklahoma’s graduate history been served meals at a whites only a stand against inequality and program. She was a high school counter. In response to the Katz sit- racism, the simple act of defiance history teacher and leader of in, the chain desegregated its stores that Luper and the NAACP Youth the National Association for the in Oklahoma and the surrounding Council displayed in the Katz Drug Advancement of Colored People states. Store not only had an extremely Youth Council in Oklahoma City. Like other Civil Rights leaders large impact on the lives of African Not only did she make history in the nation, Clara Luper Americans not only in Oklahoma, at the , she advocated in her but also the United States. also made history with her sit-ins civil disobedience. Due to Clara in Oklahoma City in 1958. On Luper’s sit-in at Katz Drug Store

Sources: Stephanie Lee Decker, “Luper, Clara Shepard,” Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=LU005

Photo from the John Melton Collection.

5 Taking a Stand in History Politics in Oklahoma: Governor Alfalfa Bill Murray Interested in politics? Bill Murray practiced law Murray moved to Bolivia in governor was over. He did not primarily with tribal leaders the 1920s to create an agricultural retire quietly. He was an avid William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray in , which colony. When his effort failed, he writer who criticized Franklin D. would be a very interesting led to his involvement in the returned to Oklahoma in 1929 Roosevelt and the New Deal and character for your National Democratic Party in Oklahoma. and ran successfully for governor supported segregation. Murray History Day project. In 1905 he spoke at the Sequoyah in 1930. As governor, Murray left the political stage when he lost Alfalfa Bill was a Constitutional Convention in was known as argumentative and the 1938 gubernatorial primary. US representative Muskogee for separate states of short-tempered. He utilized the He would come back to the and a and Indian Territories. Oklahoma National Guard on Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion Oklahoma. He was Murray was elected president of several occasions, but also planted when his son Johnston Murray was born in Toadsuck, the Oklahoma Constitutional crops to feed the hungry at the elected governor in 1950. Murray Texas, in 1869. Convention in 1906. He became a Governor’s Mansion. Murray died on October 15, 1956, in Once a public school representative and speaker of the attempted to run for president Oklahoma City of pneumonia and teacher, Murray became house in the new state, in 1932, but did not win the a stroke. Governor Murray took a lawyer and unsuccessfully ran for governor, Democratic nomination. a stand many times throughout eventually relocated and spent two terms in the US Alfalfa Bill Murray resided in his political career and aided in to Tishomingo, House of Representatives. Tishomingo after his term as forming Oklahoma. Oklahoma.

Keith L. Bryant, “Murray, William Henry David,” Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=mu014 Finding Facts in Primary Sources 4. Have students divide into 5. Have groups share thoughts Suggested Grades Time Needed small groups and answer with the class. 6-12 Analyzing photos: 15 minutes Discussion: 20 minutes the following questions: Follow-up activity: 30 minutes • Why were these photos 6. Follow-up activity: Overview taken? Who might have Pretend you are a reporter Historians use numerous sources taken them? for this historic event. Write to learn about the past. Historic Materials Needed an article to tell everyone photos can be useful tools as they Access to internet • Who were the people in what is happening. provide a unique glimpse into daily the photos? What were life during a different time. Photos Instructions they doing? Where are can tell us about people, places, 1. Analyze the photos of they? What did you notice and culture of a time period and Governor Alfalfa Bill Murray about their job? Their geographic region. and the National Guard clothing? Their attitude/ at the bridge between demeanor? • What did these photos Objectives Oklahoma and Texas Students will analyze historic show you about the 2. Have students write down photos. This activity will help politics in Oklahoma? three things that they noticed students examine life as it is What evidence tells you in the photos. reflected through this source. that? • What do these photos Students will use the photos to 3. Re-analyze the photos. draw conclusions about the people say about life during and society during this time period this time? What about in Oklahoma. the people? Do you think this reflects American society as a whole? Why or why not?

Photos are from the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives. 6

Taking a Stand in History Dr. Nazih Zuhdi: Taking a Stand to Save Lives A perfect example topic for Mr. Kirkpatrick built Dr. Zuhdi a unrelated ailment three years later. state’s first heart-lung transplant, National History Day’s theme this laboratory in the Oklahoma City While Dr. Zuhdi’s use of total and the state’s first single and year, Taking a Stand in History, is Mercy Hospital to allow research intentional hemodilution was double lung transplant all occurred Dr. Nazih Zuhdi. Born in Lebanon to continue. This continuation innovative, he also performed under Dr. Zuhdi’s leadership. in 1925, Dr. Zuhdi attended the of Dr. Zuhdi’s research led him many other surgical first for While so many surgeries have American University in Beirut, to develop a new approach to Oklahoma. Another of Dr. occurred under Dr. Zuhdi or were receiving his medical degree there. open heart surgery using total Zuhdi’s notable creations was done by him, he is best known for After immigrating to the United intentional hemodilution. Total the Zuhdi-Ritchie artificial heart. the creation of the total intentional States, Dr. Zuhdi participated in intentional hemodilution was, in Developed by Dr. Zuhdi and US hemodilution. An estimated 2,000 an internship and fellowship at short, an induced hypothermia, Naval Commander and engineer surgeries each day worldwide Columbia University, then New which allowed for the reduction of Clark Ritchie, the first recipient utilize the procedure, allowing York University, consecutively. blood flow. A heart-lung machine of the artificial heart was a dog Dr. Zuhdi, who is now retired, After his fellowship, Dr. Zuhdi was also used, which allows named Mercy, who would end to continue to save lives. Many joined the faculty of the University for normal bodily functions to up being cared for by a nurse at people were skeptical about using Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine continue during open heart surgery Mercy Hospital. Dr. Zuhdi later these procedures on humans but in Oklahoma City. Soon after, or even a heart transplant. The performed the first heart transplant through perseverance, dedication, however, Dr. Zuhdi’s desire to first surgery was performed on in Oklahoma at the Oklahoma and visionary insights, he overcame continue his research led him into February 25, 1960 on Terry Gene Transplant Institute, which those obstacles to become one of the path of John Kirkpatrick and Nix. While the surgery was a he created. The nation’s sixth the influential people in the realm the Sisters of Mercy Hospital. success, Nix passed away from an piggyback heart transplant, the of cardiothoracic surgery. Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture: Diana Everett, “Zuhdi, Nazih,” Oklahoma Encyclopedia of History and Culture. www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=ZU001 Finding Facts in Film Suggested Grades Time Needed 4. Have students divide into 5. Have groups share thoughts 6 - 12 Watching film: 10 minutes small groups and answer the with the class. Discussion: 20 minutes following questions: Follow-up activity: 45 minutes • Why was this film made? 6. Follow-up activity: Watch a Overview Who might have made it? documentary over a subject in Historians use numerous sources • Who were the people which you are interested in. Does to learn about the past. Historic Materials Needed Access to internet in the film? What were they it contain the same components? video footage can be a useful tool, doing? Where are they? What Write a summary of the film. Be providing a unique glimpse into did you notice about their job? sure to include if you agree or daily life during a different time. Instructions Their clothing? Their attitude/ disagree with the film. Films can tell us about people, 1. Watch documentary about Dr. Nazih Zuhdi from NewsOK demeanor? places, and culture of a time period • What did this film show and geographic region. Those films (http://ndepth.newsok.com/ zuhdi)and the example you about Dr. Zuhdi? What are used in History Day projects to evidence supports what you support students’ theses. Oklahoma National History Day documentary on Dr. Zuhdi (www. were shown? youtube.com/watch?v=UXpl9- • What does this film say about Objectives 8JBzg) life during this time? What Students will watch and analyze does it say about the people? two documentary films. This 2. Have students write down Do you think this reflects activity will help students identify three things that stuck out to American society as a whole? the components of a documentary them in the video. Why or why not? and format their own opinions • What are the components about history based on what they 3. Rewatch film. of this documentary? Why watch. Students will use the film to are they there? How do you draw conclusions about the people think they might have been and society during this time found? period in Oklahoma. • Is this a primary or secondary source? Why? 7 405.522.0765