Pocahontas Revealed: Science Examines an American Legend

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Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY -- School Library Journal, 12/13/2007

Pocahontas Revealed: Science Examines an American Legend (NOVA Series). DVD. approx. 56 min. Prod. by NOVA. Dist. by WGBH Boston. 2007. ISBN 978-1-59375-762-5. $19.95.

Gr 7 Up–This program seeks to separate fact from fiction regarding the early years of the Jamestown settlement and the relations between the colonists and the Native Americans. Using written accounts, archaeology, and scientific processes, researchers attempt to pinpoint the locations of the original Jamestown and Chief Powhatan’s capital, Werowocomoco. Reenactments depict the hardships of the colonists and the daily life of the Native Americans. Computer animation shows the locations of different archaeological sites, the early explorations of colonist John Smith, and the reconstructed 3-D models of historic structures, including longhouses and the fort of Jamestown. Native American artisans bring authenticity to the production by demonstrating longhouse construction, cooking, and making weapons and pottery. Researchers debate if John Smith’s account of being saved by Chief Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, is true, an embellishment for the sake of propaganda for the Virginia Company, or a misunderstanding of a diplomatic ritual. The quality of the visuals and sound is excellent, with good narration by a female speaker. Women are depicted in nontraditional roles, including present day Native American chiefs, chemists, and archeologists; the historical figure of Pocahontas is also described as a bold woman with an understanding of politics and economics. This production illuminates prehistoric Native American life, early colonial history, and the processes involved in one of North America’s largest archaeological sites. It offers many opportunities for classroom discussion, and is a good supplement for early American history collections.