Teaching Themes from the Revolutionary Era with Documents on the Stevens Family

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the use of primary documents related to the Stevens family to teach key themes from the Revolutionary era in American history. The Stevens family, who founded Stevens Institute of Technology, provide a compelling case study of how prominent colonial families navigated complex issues like choosing sides in the Revolution, participating in the transatlantic slave trade, and responding to gradual emancipation laws. By examining documents such as John Stevens' 1699 indenture contract, ledgers showing involvement in slave trading, Honorable John Stevens' 1776 letter resigning from the colonial government, and Elizabeth Stevens' will requesting the freeing of enslaved people, students can engage with nuanced historical questions. The article discusses how these primary sources allow students to grapple with the family's complicity in slavery while also considering their contributions. It concludes by sharing student reflections on how studying the Stevens family's history provides insight into broader themes of race, slavery, and historical memory in American society. This approach demonstrates how institutional histories can be leveraged to teach critical thinking about the Revolutionary period.