Cultural Preservation

I found the most interesting website on the list of resources to be the Native American Images Project of the American Philosophical Society Library page (http://www.amphilsoc.org/exhibit/natamimages). The website is a compilation of various Native American images collected since its establishment by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. The society was founded "for the promotion of useful knowledge," and it was actually Thomas Jefferson who promoted the Native American collection.  This is an interesting fact because while he was president, the government was involved with attempting to relocate many tribes. There was a general belief that Native Americans were a dying culture and would eventual disappear.

This raises an interesting question of 'why?' If Jefferson had such a large passion for cultural preservation, why would he allow the government to commit the heinous act of relocation? For me, the answer lies within what the people wanted, which was more land. To stay in popular view of the people, he would have to concede his personal beliefs and support his constituents desires. Though what the government did is inexcusable, maybe Jefferson was able to do more 'good' in his position than someone else. For example, if he were to lose reelection to someone with complete hatred toward North American indigenous peoples, perhaps the fear of their extinction would be closer to reality.

Ultimately, the Native American Images Project  is a testament to the ability of the various tribes to keep their culture alive through their own contributions and without the 'help' of others.

References

Powel, Timothy A. et al. "Native American Images Project." American Philosophical Society. N.p., 2013. Web. 14 Feb. 2015. <http://www.amphilsoc.org/exhibit/natamimages>.