This lesson introduces students to the work of historians. Students practice sourcing and contextualization as they investigate the historical figure Biddy Mason, an African American woman who lived in Los Angeles in the 19th century, fought her enslavement, and won. While this lesson centers on one historical figure, it can be used in any history class as a general introduction to the work of historians, primary sources, and archives.
Please note that this lesson is cross-listed in the Slavery and Expansion unit. We developed this lesson as part of a partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District. To access the other lessons made in this partnership, click here.
Image: Photograph of Biddy Mason from c. 1870. From the UCLA Special Collections.