Living Off the Land introduces students to the relationship of their community to living in the Adirondacks. The curriculum, formed in collaboration with the Essex Community Heritage Organization, focuses on how early settlers of the Adirondack region survived by making use of the area's natural resources. It describes the primary industries that supported early Adirondack settlers as students learn the industrial history of their own community from past to present. The curriculum builds on the North Country Heritage program for elementary students by progressing from structure and community as home to the Adirondack region as home. This program was designed for use in teaching local history at the middle and secondary levels. While it is especially useful for social studies classes focusing on New York State history, it is relevant to teachers in other academic areas, as well.

The program provides students with an understanding of the concepts of shelter and making a living in the wilderness. Students consider the environment, the mountainous terrain, harsh winters and short growing season in understanding the challenges for habitation. Industries explored include agriculture, hunting, timber, mining and tanneries. The program's exercises and activities ask students to explore the progression of settlement of the Adirondacks and to create a profile of a local industry using text, maps and charts, and photographs. Students examine the names of communities in relation to people and industries. Students consider home life, education, recreation, religious life, medical care, food, tools, clothing and household goods in developing an understanding of the life of early settlers.

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Contents:
1) Program
2) Lessons
3) Resources

PDF Download: available HERE
1) Program
2) Lessons
3) Resources