Mention “Carlisle” and invariably the response
will include some reference to Jim Thorpe or the Carlisle Indian School.
Founded by Richard Henry Pratt, the school was the first off-reservation
government boarding school for Native American Indian children. Carlisle
served as the model for dozens of schools throughout the U.S., some of
which are still in existence.
The Cumberland County Historical Society houses an extensive
collection of archival materials and photographs from the Carlisle Indian
School. Among the items are the 39+ years of weekly and monthly school
newspapers, musical and athletic programs, brochures, letters, catalogs
and the annual reports to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs. From
students and staff the collection features oral histories, scrapbooks,
a memory book, recruiter's notebook, and much more.
The historical society receives visits and calls of inquiry
from researchers and descendants of the Indian school students. The
purpose of this website is to facilitate similar inquiries into this important
history. Please explore our links describing the types of resources
housed at the historical society as well as suggested methods for this
type of research. We welcome your input and questions. For
further information, please contact ciis@historicalsociety.com.
arlisle Indian Industrial
School