INTRODUCTION

These pages are designed, written and executed with the purpose of offering glimpses  into the Carlisle Indian School and its history. 

The Carlisle Indian School's mission was to shape identity. 

In its infancy, that shaping meant to transform American Indian children to resemble their so-called "civilized"
American brothers and sisters.  As the experiment progressed, that purpose shifted to one of "influence"
rather than "transformation,"  according to Francis Leupp,  U.S. Indian Commissioner, 1904.

It is our purpose to respectfully
honor those students and their descendants who lived the experiment, 
celebrate with those who prospered from it,  and
grieve with those whose lives were diminished by it.

This is a history that belongs to all Americans. 
 The identities of all Americans  are shaped by the Carlisle experiment. 

Much of the text on these pages reflect the collaborative efforts of 
Barbara Landis and Genevieve Bell, and none of this work
is associated with the Cumberland County Historical Society. 

Our express purpose in keeping this history alive is
to  encourage historians to invigorate a troubling conversation
and to deliver the Carlisle Indian School student names to their respective nations.

- Barbara Landis

I am grateful for the generous support 
of these pages by the 

VIOLA WHITE WATER FOUNDATION

Please consider donating toward the continued work of these pages:

Viola White Water Foundation

Harrisburg PA 17112

Saint 
  Katherine
Drexel
at Carlisle

Andrew Cuellar, 103, 
last known CIIS alumnus.
 

Wellington Jimerson.

Barbara
Landis
Bio
 
 

email 
Barbara 
Landis