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Interpreting the Evidence

Declaration of Jan Cornelisz (van Leyden), Carpenter, March 10, 1646

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About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Colonial America (1630s - 1760)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Colonial America
    Community
    Dutch
    Industry
    Labor

  • Primary Source Types:

    Written Document

  • Regions:

    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load Declaration of Jan Cornelisz (van Leyden), Carpenter, March 10, 1646 in Main Image Viewer
  2. Load Declaration of Jan Cornelisz (van Leyden), Carpenter, March 10, 1646 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Declaration of Jan Cornelisz (van Leyden), Carpenter, concerning Cornelis Segersz van Voorhout's dissatisfaction over the construction of a bedstead, March 10, 1646.
Historical Context
The Dutch colony of New Netherland included a vast amount of virgin forests. These forests provided the raw materials for a thriving shipbuilding and saw mill industry. However, the Dutch West India Company was not interested in turning the colony into a producer of finished products. The benefits of the wood industry in New Netherland were limited to a small shipbuilding enterprise and the construction of housing.
Essential Question
How did carpenters contribute to the growth of the colony?
Check for Understanding
Explain the role of a carpenter in a Dutch colony.
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