William Apess - wrote first Native American autobiography

  • <p>William Apess - bookcover</p> <p>William Apess - bookcover</p>

About

William Apess (1798–1839), writer, minister and human rights advocate, born in Colrain, Massachusetts, is memorialized with an historic marker at the site of the town’s Griswold Memorial Library just south of Brattleboro. In 1829, Apess wrote the first autobiography by a Native American in the U.S. He was ordained a Protestant Methodist Preacher the same year the autobiography was published. William Apess’ helped organize the 1833-34 Mashpee uprising in Cape Cod.

Tour Stop Location: William Apess Historical Marker at Griswold Library

12 Main Road, Colrain, Massachusetts 01340, United States

Research & Production

Research and Narration: Drew Lopenzina, PhD, Author of "Through an Indian's Looking Glass: A Cultural Biography of William Apess, Pequot"

Voice of William Apess: Anonymous.

Audio Production: Lissa Weinmann

Ongoing Development and Involvement:

As a community-created project, we encourage ongoing dialogue, questions, and engagement. If you would like to be involved in future developments, have information or a perspective that could deepen others' understanding of this topic, please contact us: we want to hear from you

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  • William Apess (overview)

Photos

  • <p>William Apess Book Cover</p>