Wampum research on Long Island

Historical research usually entails long hours reading in the library or archives, and then holed up somewhere writing. But my wampum study invited a different sort of research. I felt that I couldn’t properly research it if I didn’t get out into the lands where wampum was originally made and used. So about three summers ago, I crossed from the west coast to the east coast so I could visit some local archives, see some wampum in museum holdings,  and, as importantly, visit wampum country.

My travels took me to central Long Island where historian John Strong played host. The highlight of this visit was a trip to the Poospatuck Reservation of the Unkechaug Indian Nation to visit Chief Harry Wallace, who is a great advocate for his people and works hard

Long Island historian John Strong and Unkechaug Chief Harry Wallace

to promote education and improve the economy in his community. He is also a modern-day wampum maker, running his own factory where he produces wampum beads and supports the work of native artist who make other marine shell objects and jewelry.

Wampum Magic is one of the few places where true wampum–that is cylindrical beads made from marine shell–can be found. They also produce wampum belts made from these shells.

It was a privilege to meet Chief Wallace, and I’m grateful to him for the tour of his factory and the time he took to tell me about his work among the Unkechaug people.