The Delaware tribe, also known as the Lenape, is a Native American group native to North America that has played a significant role in the early history and culture of the United States. This article will explore the history and culture of the Delaware tribe and provide important information about their legacy and contributions to society today.
History of the Delaware Tribe
The Delaware tribe had an ancestral presence in what is now the eastern United States. Originally, their territory extended across what are now the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. The tribe has a rich and complex history that dates back hundreds of years, having inhabited these lands long before the arrival of European settlers.
During the colonial period, the Delaware tribe had contact with Dutch, English, and Swedish settlers, which had a significant impact on their culture and way of life. Throughout the years, the tribe was affected by the expansion and influence of European colonies, experiencing wars, displacements, and changes in their traditional lifestyle.
In the 18th century, the Delaware tribe was further displaced westward due to the pressure of European colonization. Many members of the tribe approached the Delaware River and settled in reservations, while others integrated into colonial society. Despite these challenges, the Delaware tribe has persevered and continues to maintain their cultural identity.
Culture and Traditions
The Delaware tribe has a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of traditions, beliefs, and practices. Their language, Lenape, belongs to the Algonquian language family and has been passed down from generation to generation. Although the number of native Lenape speakers has declined, efforts persist to maintain and revitalize the language.
Music and dance hold a significant place in Delaware culture. The tribe has a series of traditional dances that are performed on special occasions such as ceremonies and tribal…
At the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, Molly Leech, a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Department of History, looks at the personal correspondence of John Heckewelder, a missionary and linguist who, in the 1800s, lived in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, among a Lenape community. 
The first read-through at Aurora Thatre of ‘Manhatta’ with actors Linda Amayo-Hassan, Oogie Push, Ixtlán and Livia Gomes Dimarchi. (Alandra Hileman) 