This exhibit will describe the Cambridge Massachusetts Press. This printing press cemented its name in history when the John Eliot Bible was printed in 1661. This is the first translation of the Christian Bible to an indigenous Native American language. This Bible was also the first one printed in North America.
The Algonquian title for the Bible is Mamusse Wuneetupanatamwe Up-Biblum God. The Bible is also known as the Algonquian Bible or the John Eliot Bible. The Puritan missionary John Eliot translated this Bible into the Algonquian language with the help of Native American translator and typesetter, James Printer.
John Eliot crafted this Bible in hopes of converting more indigenous Native Americans to Christianity. It’s important to note that much of this indoctrination was not voluntary and many Native Americans were forced to adapt European culture.
This historic document is an important example of acculturation and the racially-driven attack on Native American culture and lifestyle. This Bible was a tool of settler colonialism. The successful printing of the John Eliot Bible inspired more Europeans to convert indigenous people and destroy Native American culture. Native American history is United States history. Recalling and teaching Native American history history is critical to ensuring that this genocide is not committed in the future. I hope you all find this exhibit interesting and thought-provoking.
Credits
John Fredericks