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Created by Rhode Island Educators�Christine Costa & Christina O’Brien

Th e Hahns

of

providence�

Companion Lessons for the

Hahn Youth Educational Activity Booklet

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Lesson Plans

Standards · Essential Questions · Learning Objectives · Directions · Materials · Extension Activities

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~LESSON PLANS~

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Lesson 1:�Time Travel through Providence

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A Trip Through Time

Roger Williams

(1636)

Modern Providence

(21st Century)

Utilized the geography around Providence, including the Moshassuck (MOE-shash-uck) River. Williams and the Narragansetts used the fish, fowl, and fawn located around the Providence area.

Utilized the industrial nature of the Providence area (inspired by Samuel Slater and his mills), including the textile boom of the 19th century. Hahn was able to sell and import items such as gloves, ties, and scarves.

Utilizes the cultural and ethnic diversity of the city, with its array of entertainment, restaurants, and store fronts. People from all over go to Providence to explore the city.

The Hahn Family

(1870s)

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What Cheer, Netop?

Roger Williams’ Arrival in 1636

“Williams survived the harsh winter thanks to a rescue from the Wampanoag people. He had built a relationship with the Wampanoag in the years prior by trading with them and learning their language. Unlike most English, Williams believed that Indigenous people were equals under English law and that they rightfully owned the land upon which colonists settled. Thanks to aid and supplies from the Wampanoag and Narragansett, the radical minister traveled by canoe until he arrived at a freshwater spring at what is now the site of Roger Williams National Memorial.” �- Roger Williams National Memorial (NPS)

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Today, you are a time traveler! Your mission is to write a journal entry about your journey to Providence in the year 1636.

Your journal entry must include:

  • A date from the spring or early summer of 1636.
  • A description of your experience traveling back in time and what you noticed was different between 1636 and today.
  • A description of what you saw and heard as Roger Williams and the Narragansett people met.
  • The greeting "What Cheer, Netop?"
  • At least three details from our readings and class discussions.

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Lesson 2:�Storefront Diorama

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One Hahn of a Kind:

Diorama Design

1

2

3

4

The teacher will read from the booklet titled The Hahns of Providence to the class, with a focus on the Hahn family’s contributions to Rhode Islanders.

The teacher will then ask students about items in Isaac Hahn’s store that he sold, why those items might have been important in the late 1800s, and what items they would like to see in a storefront window that would make them go inside.

The teacher will then inform the students that they will design a diorama window display for the Hahn Glove Emporium, using the internet, purchasing figurines, or creating their own pieces from paper.

The students will then display their storefront dioramas for other students to see.

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Lesson 3:�Changing Geographical Landscape

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  • Introduction

“The Great Salt Cove was a resource used by Native Americans for at least 5,000 years. Every spring, fish swam up the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers to spawn. The English claimed the salmon ran so thick at one spot in the river, that they could walk across the river on the backs of the salmon without getting their feet wet. Thousands of ducks and geese stopped there when they migrated for the winter. There were also eels, lobsters, crabs, clams, quahogs, and oysters.”�� ~ Roger WIlliams National Memorial

HUMANIPULATION:

People and their influence over nature

As the Industrial Revolution began in New England, it became clear that a better way to transport goods was needed. Turnpikes were built between 1800-1820 to make it easier for wagons and carriages to travel long distances. These new roads connected town centers. Turnpikes were good for moving people and mail, but they did not make shipping goods cheaper or faster.

The solution was to build a canal. Providence merchants wanted to build a canal along the Blackstone River as early as 1790. They were unable to get the Massachusetts Assembly to agree at first. Construction of the Blackstone Canal finally began in 1825. It was dug with shovels, pickaxes, and spades. Irish immigrants made up most of the workforce.

~ Blackstone River Valley

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HUMANIPULATION:

People and their influence over nature

“In the modern era, I see Rhode Island's rivers as places of recreation, exploration, and education. People fish, kayak, walk, and enjoy the views, but they’re also spots where you can trace what’s been left behind—remnants of industry, old crossings, and the communities that grew up along the banks. When I think about their purpose today, it’s layered: recreation, connection to the environment, a way of learning history, and even a way to explore through things like urban exploration—documenting what’s left of mill villages, dams, and river crossings. And of course, the National Parks Service Rangers help carry that purpose forward by educating the public.”

~ David Lawlor@filmmakerdave

YOUR TURN: Spend some time by a river with an adult. What do you see as the river’s purpose?

ANSWER:

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question prompts tied to those standards?

Lesson 4:�Isaac Hahn Runs for Office

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Explain here.����

💰Saving Money

Explain here.����

⚖️ Making Laws

Explain here.����

🚪 Opening Doors

Explain here.����

🗣️ Helping Others

Add slogan here.

Old State House 150 Benefit St. Providence, Rhode island

Hahn’s Hard Work as a Rhode Island Representative

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Lesson 5:�Justice J. Jerome Hahn

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justice

jar

Explore each section of the choice board to learn about Justice Hahn's legal legacy.

Justice J. jerome hahn

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Rhode Island Supreme Court

The Rhode Island Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, serving as the final authority for all legal decisions in Rhode Island. It is made up of five special judges called justices, with one serving as the Chief Justice, who leads the group. Unlike a regular trial court, where you might see a jury and hear new evidence, the Supreme Court's job is to look back at cases that have already been tried in lower courts.

The primary role of these five justices is to hear appeals. An appeal is a request to have a case reviewed in a higher court. This occurs when someone believes a mistake was made in how the law was used or understood in their previous trial. The justices then carefully examine all the documents and listen to arguments from both sides. Their goal is to make sure that laws are followed correctly and that the decisions made in the lower courts are fair and legal, according to Rhode Island's laws and its main rulebook, the Constitution.

What makes the Rhode Island Supreme Court so important is that its decisions are the final word for our state. Their rulings set examples that all other courts in Rhode Island must follow. This is a huge responsibility that helps make sure that everyone's rights are protected and that our state’s laws are clear. The Supreme Court works hard to keep our legal system fair for all Rhode Islanders.

In 1930, Judge J. Jerome Hahn led the committee that oversaw the design and construction of the Providence County Courthouse. He was appointed to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in 1931 and served as a justice until 1935.

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100

POINT 01

10,000

POINT 02

Courtroom Challenge

Imagine you are a judge on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, just like Justice J. Jerome Hahn! An important case has just landed on your desk. This case is very similar to one that Justice Hahn ruled on many, many years ago.�It's your job to review it and make a decision that will create a rule for all other courts in the state to follow.

The Case of the Troublesome Trespassers

Mr. Richardson and the Martin family were neighbors. They argued over who owned a small �piece of land between their two properties. To figure out who it belonged to, they went to a judge.�The judge looked at the case and decided that the land belonged to Mr. Richardson. The court �then ordered a special officer, called a sheriff, to help Mr. Richardson by making sure the land �was clear. The sheriff went to the land and took down all the fences that the Martin family had put up.

The Martin family wasn’t happy with this decision. Instead of accepting it, they decided to ignore the court. After the sheriff left, they put all the fences back up and told Mr. Richardson they would do it again and again. This is called a "continuing trespass"—when people repeatedly go onto someone else's property after being told to stop.

So, Mr. Richardson returned to court and asked for a stronger solution. The judge gave a powerful order to the Martins to remove the fences, stop trespassing on the land, and not put up any new fences. The Martins argued that the judge shouldn't be allowed to give such a strong order. They believed they still had a right to use the land and asked the highest court in the state, the Rhode Island Supreme Court, to review the case again. This is called an appeal.

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How would you rule?

Your Big Decision

The lower court judge ruled that the land between the two neighbors �belonged to Mr. Richardson. The Martin family was ordered to remove �the fences, stop trespassing on the land, and not put up any new fences.��As a justice, what do you think?

Imagine being a Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice. Gather in a group of five students. You and the four other justices have to decide the following:�

1. Should a judge be allowed to give a super-strong order that makes someone not only stop doing something, but also take action ( like taking down the fences)? Why or why not?��2. Is it fair to keep using land and building fences on it when a court says you can't? Explain your reasoning.��3. Should the lower court’s ruling be changed? Why or why not?

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100

POINT 01

The Frolic Case

A long time ago, it was against the law for people from China to enter the United States. �However, some people, called smugglers, brought them into the country anyway, and it �was dangerous for everyone. In 1906, the smugglers used a boat named the Frolic to sail �Chinese people from Newfoundland, which is an island near Canada, to Providence, Rhode �Island. The smugglers could earn a great deal of money for transporting the men, which

was equal to over half a million dollars today. On the boat were 42 Chinese men and boys.

Some were as young as sixteen. They had to stay hidden in the dark lower part of the boat throughout the trip. During the journey, many of them became sick. The smugglers had weapons on board in case they needed to fight anyone who tried to stop them.

The Frolic made its way into Providence without being recognized. The smugglers painted the ship black and made it look like a fishing boat. In the middle of the night, the smugglers

brought the Chinese men to the shore, but a worker saw two of the men

and told the police. The police started a big search. A large crowd of

people watched as the police looked through all the houses on a street

where many Chinese people lived. The officers searched everywhere - in

closets, behind beds, and in basements. They found about half of the �Chinese men from the Frolic and arrested them. The others ran away and hid in other cities.

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100

POINT 01

10,000

POINT 02

The Frolic Case

A Providence lawyer named J. Jerome Hahn decided to help the frightened Chinese men. Attorney Hahn agreed to be their lawyer and defend them in court. The court set a bail fee of $1500 to release each man from jail while awaiting trial. Hahn argued that this fee was too high, it was lowered to $500 each. J. Jerome Hahn’s father, Isaac Hahn, then paid a large sum of money to get the Chinese men out of jail. After they were released, the men were so scared of what was going to happen to them that they ran away instead of �going to the court hearings. Although this meant Isaac lost all the money he had paid for their� bail, the Hahns' actions were strong examples of empathy, fairness, and kindness.��J. Jerome Hahn was a successful lawyer. He was the second person of Jewish descent to�be admitted to the Rhode Island Bar, becoming a licensed lawyer in the state of Rhode Island. �On March 27, 1919, J. Jerome Hahn became the first Jewish judge in Rhode Island. He was �known for being tough on people who broke the law. He gave long punishments that made �people afraid to break the rules. Later, from 1931 to 1935, J. Jerome Hahn served as a judge on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, the highest court in the state. Many people thought Justice Hahn was a good choice because he was humble, honest, and wanted to help people. J. Jerome Hahn is remembered as a fair judge who worked hard to make good decisions, even when they were difficult. People respected him for being a good leader in his community.

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Jerome’s Justice Jar

Lessons from Justice Hahn

Think about what you learned from J. Jerome Hahn’s work as a lawyer in the “Frolic” case, and later, as a Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice. Brainstorm ways in which Jerome Hahn sought justice for Chinese Immigrants and Rhode Islanders. Write down your statements and digitally add them to “Jerome's Justice Jar” to the right. Select your favorite example and write it out on a slip of paper. Add it to the class jar.

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Lesson 6:�A Complex Web of

Connecting Communities

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Textiles and Topography

Factories

National Tubing Company Treasurer (1884)

75 hands and 1,100 braiders

Silk, Worsten, and Mohair Braids

Union Station

(Transportation)

Westminster Street (Store)

Friendship Street (Synagogue)

Providence River

Narragansett

Bay

Moshassuck

River

Locations

Geography

Immigration

Jewish

Americans

Chinese

Americans

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Th e Hahns

Of Providence

tOPIC

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

tOPIC

TOPIC

TOPIC

EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

TASK: Have students create their own web based off of their reading.

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Lesson 7:�Providence’s Enduring Legacies�A Time Capsule of �Freedom and Philanthropy

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Reading Comprehension:

encapsulate Your Understanding

  • “In 1928, Judge J. Jerome Hahn purchased this small plot of land and the building that was over it because of its historical significance. He wrote, ‘I desire to memorialize the name of my late father, Isaac Hahn.’ The elder Hahn was the first person of the Jewish faith to be elected to public office in Rhode Island.” - Roger Williams National Memorial (NPS)
  • Your task is to read The Hahns of Providence with your students and have them use the space below to write down what the Hahn Family would put into the spring well if it was a time capsule. This can be tangible items or ideas that the Hahns would have supported.
  • TIME CAPSULE CONTENTS:

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Lesson 8:�Providence’s Chain of Stewards�The Links that Connect

Roger Williams & the Hahns

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Stewards of Providence

Roger Williams

Isaac & J. Jerome Hahn

Both

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

example

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Answer Keys

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Old State House 150 Benefit St. Providence, Rhode island

Hahn’s Hard Work as a Rhode Island Representative

Additional� Slogan � Ideas:�

  • “Hahn for the People, Hope for Rhode Island!”
  • “Vote Hahn: �Fair Laws, �Bright Futures!”
  • “Helping Rhode Island, One Law at a Time.”
  • “A Voice for Everyone in Rhode Island.”

Hahn Listens, Hahn Leads! Saving Money for

Rhode Islanders!

Isaac Hahn reduced spending so the state wouldn’t waste money on extras that they did not need.�

💰Saving Money

Isaac Hahn helped create fair laws that made life better for Rhode Islanders.

⚖️ Making Laws

Isaac Hahn’s election showed that people from different religions and backgrounds could be leaders.�

🚪 Opening Doors

Isaac Hahn listened to his fellow Rhode Islanders and made decisions for the state that best helped its residents.

🗣️ Helping Others

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Rhode Island Supreme Court

The Rhode Island Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, serving as the final authority for all legal decisions in Rhode Island. It is made up of five special judges called justices, with one serving as the Chief Justice, who leads the group. Unlike a regular trial court, where you might see a jury and hear new evidence, the Supreme Court's job is to look back at cases that have already been tried in lower courts.

The primary role of these five justices is to hear appeals. An appeal is a request to have a case reviewed in a higher court. This occurs when someone believes a mistake was made in how the law was used or understood in their previous trial. The justices then carefully examine all the documents and listen to arguments from both sides. Their goal is to make sure that laws are followed correctly and that the decisions made in the lower courts are fair and legal, according to Rhode Island's laws and its main rulebook, the Constitution.

What makes the Rhode Island Supreme Court so important is that its decisions are the final word for our state. Its rulings set examples that all other courts in Rhode Island must follow. This is a huge responsibility that helps make sure that everyone's rights are protected and that our state’s laws are clear. The Rhode Island Supreme Court works hard to keep our legal system fair for all Rhode Islanders.

In 1930, Judge J. Jerome Hahn led the committee that oversaw the design and construction of the Providence County Courthouse. He was appointed to the Rhode Island Supreme Court in 1931 and served as a justice until 1935.

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100

POINT 01

10,000

POINT 02

Answer Key

The Court's Final Ruling:��1. Should a judge be allowed to give a super-strong order that makes someone not only stop doing something, but also take action (like taking down the fences)? Why or why not?

  • Yes! If someone keeps breaking the rules, a judge needs a special power to make them stop for good. The second judge was right to give a new powerful order to make the Martin family finally listen and stop being a 'troublesome trespasser'.

2. Is it fair to keep using land and building fences on it when a court says you can't? Explain your reasoning.

  • No, it is not fair. Once a court makes a decision, everyone has to follow it. The Martins could not just keep doing what they wanted.The court had to make sure their rules were respected.

3. Should the lower court’s ruling be changed? Why or why not?

No, the lower court judge was right to give the Martins a super-strong order because they kept ignoring the court the first time and putting their fences back up. The judges knew that a regular warning wouldn't work. �(The case used in this lesson is a simplified version of the 1933 Rhode Island Supreme Court case, Ricci v. Matteodo. The names were changed from Ricci and Matteodo to Richardson and Martin, but the main facts are similar.)

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100

POINT 01

10,000

POINT 02

Answer Key

Students may wonder what would happen if the Martin family still didn’t obey the law.

If the Martins still didn't follow the order, they would face serious consequences. The court doesn't just give up. When a person intentionally disobeys a court's order, it's called contempt of court.

Here's what would likely happen next:

  • Fines: The court could order the Martins to pay a fine for their disobedience.
  • Paying for Mr. Richardson's Court Costs: The court could make the Martins pay for Mr. Richardson's lawyer fees and other costs from having to go back to court.
  • More Serious Penalties: If the Martins continued to ignore the court's orders, a judge could have them arrested and even sent to jail until they agreed to follow the order. The court's goal isn't to punish them, but to force them to obey the order so the problem can finally be resolved.

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100

POINT 01

The Frolic Case

A long time ago, it was against the law for people from China to enter the United States. �However, some people, called smugglers, brought them into the country anyway, and it �was dangerous for everyone. In 1906, the smugglers used a boat named the Frolic to sail �Chinese people from Newfoundland, which is an island near Canada, to Providence, Rhode �Island. The smugglers could earn a great deal of money for transporting the men, which

was equal to over half a million dollars today. On the boat were 42 Chinese men and boys.

Some were as young as sixteen. They had to stay hidden in the dark lower part of the boat throughout the trip. During the journey, many of them became sick. The smugglers had weapons on board in case they needed to fight anyone who tried to stop them.

The Frolic made its way into Providence without being recognized. The smugglers painted the ship black and made it look like a fishing boat. In the middle of the night, the smugglers

brought the Chinese men to the shore, but a worker saw two of the men

and told the police. The police started a big search. A large crowd of

people watched as the police looked through all the houses on a street

where many Chinese people lived. The officers searched everywhere - in

closets, behind beds, and in basements. They found about half of the �Chinese men from the Frolic and arrested them. The others ran away and hid in other cities.

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100

POINT 01

The Frolic Case

A Providence lawyer named J. Jerome Hahn decided to help the frightened Chinese men. Attorney Hahn agreed to be their lawyer and defend them in court. The court set a bail fee of $1500 to release each man from jail while awaiting trial. Hahn argued that this fee was too high, so the court lowered it to $500 each. J. Jerome Hahn’s father, Isaac Hahn, then paid a large sum of money to get the Chinese men out of jail. After they were released, the men were so scared of what was going to happen to them that they ran away �instead of going to the court hearings. Although this meant Isaac lost all the money he had �paid for their bail, the Hahns' actions were strong examples of empathy, fairness, and �kindness.��J. Jerome Hahn was a successful lawyer. He was the second person of Jewish descent to�be admitted to the Rhode Island Bar, becoming a licensed lawyer in the state of Rhode Island. �On March 27, 1919, J. Jerome Hahn became the first Jewish judge in Rhode Island. He was �known for being tough on people who broke the law. He gave long punishments that made �people afraid to break the rules. Later, from 1931 to 1935, J. Jerome Hahn served as a judge on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, the highest court in the state. Many people thought Justice Hahn was a good choice because he was humble, honest, and wanted to help people. J. Jerome Hahn is remembered as a fair judge who worked hard to make good decisions, even when they were difficult. People respected him for being a good leader in his community.

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Answer Key

Lessons from Justice Hahn

Some suggestions include words and phrases such as fair, judge, lawful, honest, listener, decisions, ruling, judgment, kind, etc.

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Th e Hahns

Of Providence

Successful�Professionals

Isaac owned stores and a factory.

J. Jerome was a lawyer and later, a judge.

Isaac owned real estate companies.

J. Jerome was an active member of his congregation and provided legal assistance to it.

Isaac served as president of his synagogue.

J. Jerome helped 21 Chinese people stay in America.

Isaac came to America with his family to escape religious persecution.

community

leadership

Refuge

(a safe place)

Civic Involvement

Isaac was the first Jewish person to be elected to a government job in Rhode Island.

Suggested Topics:

Isaac served as treasurer of his synagogue.

J. Jerome was a lawyer. He later served as a justice on the RI Supreme Court.

Isaac paid the bail for 21 Chinese people to be freed from jail.

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Th e Hahns

Of Providence

Philanthropy

Isaac helped get money to build a new church and school.

J. Jerome gave money to the Miriam Hospital.

J. Jerome purchased land and gave it to the city of Providence.

Additional Suggestion:

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Stewards of Providence

Roger Williams

Isaac & J. Jerome Hahn

Both

founded Providence

settled near a fresh water spring to provide for his people�

respected the land & paid Narragansetts for it

supported a separation of

church and government

wrote a letter urging people to keep the land public for all to use

Fought for Justice

and protected the

rights of others�

Helped Newcomers

Served the Community

Believed in religious freedom

and inclusion

Used Public Space

Opened businesses in Providence

Isaac was the first Jewish person elected to public office in Rhode Island.

J. Jerome was a lawyer who defended Chinese immigrants in court.

They helped finance a synagogue and a hospital.

J. Jerome donated the site of the freshwater spring for a public memorial.

Isaac was an active member and leader in his religious community.

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History Mystery�Answer Key

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  1. A Place Called Moshassuck

How did geography influence settlement at Moshassuck?

The geography of Moshassuck made it an ideal place to gather and settle. It had three rivers that came together, a tidal area connected to the ocean, and hills. The most important feature was a spring that provided fresh, clean water. This water was a major reason why people chose to build their homes here. It was also easy to travel in this area, making it a popular spot for many different nations to meet and gather the resources they needed from nature.

  • “I Call the Place Providence”

What made Providence a “refuge of conscience”?

At that time, many people were being punished or told what to believe by their government. Roger Williams wanted Providence to be a safe place where people had religious freedom and could believe whatever they wanted without fear of harm or being forced to leave. Providence became a “refuge of conscience” because Roger Williams and his followers created a place where people’s beliefs were respected and protected. They did not allow any rules about religion, which gave people the freedom to worship however they chose.

  • The Hahns Arrive in Providence

What factors likely led the Hahn family to leave their homeland and ultimately reside in Providence?

The Hahn family had to leave their home to escape European wars and religious persecution, which caused people to mistreat them because of their faith. They moved to Providence because it was a busy city with good jobs and businesses that gave them a chance for a new life.

  • “Everybody Knows Hahn!”

How did Isaac Hahn’s success as a businessman enable him to serve and support his community?

Isaac Hahn was a very successful businessman who owned several stores and companies, which made him an important leader in Providence’s Jewish community. Because of his good reputation, he was chosen for important jobs like president and treasurer. His success also helped him support his community in big ways, such as getting a bank loan to help build a new synagogue and buying land for the Hebrew school.

History Mystery Answer Key

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5. Isaac Hahn Runs for Office

Why was Isaac Hahn's election to office in Rhode Island important?

Isaac Hahn’s election in 1884 was important because he was the first Jewish person to be elected to office in Rhode Island. This showed everyone that people of different faiths and backgrounds could work together for the good of their community and state.

�6. J. Jerome Hahn, Esq., Fighting Injustice

What role did Jerome and Isaac Hahn play in the case of the Chinese immigrants on the Frolic, and what does this reveal about their beliefs and the challenges of the Chinese Exclusion Act?

Jerome and Isaac Hahn played a brave and important role in defending Chinese immigrants. Jerome was the lawyer who defended the 21 men. The judge set a very high bail of $1,500 for each person, which was a large amount of money at the time. Jerome argued that it was too high, and he succeeded in getting the judge to lower it to $500 per person. Isaac showed incredible generosity by paying the bail for all 21 men. Jerome and Isaac’s actions demonstrate their willingness to stand up for people, even when those individuals were being treated unfairly under the Chinese Exclusion Act, which unjustly prevented Chinese people from coming to the United States.

7. Under God and Law

Did the person who chose that quote in the Providence courthouse see the connection to Roger Williams? �Although no one knows for sure, it is possible that the person who chose that quote in the Providence courthouse saw the connection to Roger Williams. Sir Edward Coke was a mentor to a young Roger Williams. He recognized Williams’s intelligence and talent for shorthand. Coke hired Williams as his secretary or assistant. This job taught Williams about law and government by letting him see how things worked behind the scenes. Coke paid for Williams’s education, allowing him to attend Charterhouse School and later Pembroke College at Cambridge University. Sir Edward Coke strongly believed in the idea that everyone, even a king, must follow the law. By helping Roger Williams with his job and his schooling, Coke’s ideas about justice and freedom likely inspired Williams. Years later, Roger Williams took these ideas and used them to create a new colony called Providence, which was founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all.

History Mystery Answer Key

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8. A Hallowed Spot

Why do you think J. Jerome Hahn was so interested in Roger Williams?

It is likely that J. Jerome Hahn was interested in Roger Williams because Williams also believed in religious freedom, just like Hahn’s family and community. Hahn was Jewish, and the Jewish people settled in Rhode Island in the 1600s because of the religious freedoms guaranteed by Roger Williams. Hahn probably felt a personal connection to Williams’s ideas because they made it possible for his own community to live, work, and succeed in Rhode Island. By honoring the spot where Williams landed and building the memorial, Hahn celebrated the person who created a safe place for people like him to practice their religion freely.

9. Community and Philanthropy

What can J. Jerome Hahn's commitment to his community teach us about the importance of giving back and supporting the places we belong to?

J. Jerome Hahn's commitment to his community teaches us that giving back is a powerful way to show your appreciation for your community. He used his time and money to support important causes. He helped his synagogue, gave legal advice, and donated a huge amount of money to start a hospital. His actions show that the best way to support the places you belong to—like your school, town, or club—is to take action and help build something that will last, making your community stronger for everyone.

10. Love is Better than Abundance�Nearly 400 years after Williams wrote this letter, his call to action still resonates. How can you use your skills to help someone in your community who is suffering today? What does “love is better than abundance” mean to you?

I can use my skills to help other children at school and volunteer to support my community. To me, “love is better than abundance” means that being a good and kind person is more important than owning a lot of things. Sharing what you have, even if it’s just your time or kindness, is more valuable than keeping everything for yourself. The Hahns and Roger Williams demonstrated this by helping people even when it was difficult to do so.

History Mystery Answer Key

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Sources

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Credits

This presentation template is free for everyone to use thanks to the following:

for the presentation template

Pexels & Pixabay

for the photos

Lessons Created by Rhode Island Educators

Christine Costa�RI History Teacher of the Year 2023�ccosta@tivertonschools.org

Christina O’Brien�RI History Teacher of the Year 2025�christina.obrien@npsd.k12.ri.us