A Deep Presence: 13,000 Years of Native American History

by Robert Goodby

Almost 13,000 years ago, small groups of Paleoindians endured frigid winters on the edge of a river in what would become Keene, New Hampshire.

This begins the remarkable story of Native Americans in the Monadnock region of southwestern New Hampshire, part of the traditional homeland of the Abenaki people.

Typically neglected or denied by conventional history, the long presence of Native people in southwestern New Hampshire is revealed by archaeological evidence for their deep, enduring connections to the land and the complex social worlds they inhabited.

From the Tenant Swamp Site in Keene, with the remains of the oldest known dwellings in New England, to the 4,000-year-old Swanzey Fish Dam still visible in the Ashuelot River, A Deep Presence tells their story in a narrative fashion, drawing on the author's thirty years of fieldwork and presenting compelling evidence from archaeology, written history, and the living traditions of today's Abenaki people.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Native American

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Kristen Iworsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read. I’ll admit… I know little about archeology. Learning about the precision and knowledge needed to excavate a site was incredibly eye opening. And of course learning about the people that lived here long, long before Europeans came was again eye opening. It makes you realize how little history is taught in schools.

[Cienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 2021 this book illustrates what kinds of archaeology are in the Northeast. It also discusses cultural erasure by Europeans/colonists/whites of natives. This professor/author clearly did his research and consulted with the correct parties (at least as it appears to me). I highly suggest those interested in archaeology, anthropology, and native/indigenous histories to read this book.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be fascinating, especially if you're living in the area the archaeologist Goodby is talking about, mostly eastern Vermont and western and central New Hampshire.. Filled with photos and information about the little that's been discovered about the Abenaki and other Native tribes of New England, it's an interesting look into something that has for so long nearly been invisible.

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodby’s cultural anthropology is extremely well written. The combination of fantastic explanations and clear visuals create an immersive understanding for readers eager to understand the people who came before us.

[Danielle SV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in the Monadnock Region - N’Dakinna - I have often wondered about its first inhabitants, but finding literature on this subject has always been a challenge. After reading A Deep Presence, I understand why. A culture and history denied and hidden away, let us not let any further information be lost. I am very thankful for a book written for the masses rather than a strictly scholarly work. A wonderful beginning to a journey of learning.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s goal of writing a book on Native American history that is not a textbook was met. This is an engrossing read of the Native Americans that lived in southwestern New Hampshire. Up until now they were erased from history (and our State government continues to keep them erased), but this account brings them back. It’s a real eye opener and the archeological digs are fascinating to read. We’ll done!

[Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the Hancock library yesterday. I had bought a copy, but now that I wanted to read it, I couldn't find it anywhere. Dr. Goodby is speaking at the Monadnock Summer Lyceum on July 7.

It's a quick read, it's short, (126p.) has lots of pictures, and he writes really well. His style is very down to earth and he makes the archeology easy to understand. Though primarily about a particular excavation at the site of the Keene Middle School, it tells the story of the "Deep Presence" of Paleoindians in this area, their culture and customs.

There is also a survival story here, but also how, as Nanepashemet (Anthony Pollard) says "so much has been lost." (p.113) The Abenaki people had to become "invisible" to survive, to blend in, and as such were never formally recognized as a tribe by the Federal Government.

I am glad I read this and will absolutely read it again when I find my own copy!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible! One of the most informative and well-written books I have read in a long time. It was entertaining but not to the point of being dumbed-down (and it certainly was never that! The technical level of the writing was perfect…not so high that it left the reader wondering what the author was getting at, but not low enough as to feel that one was being talked down to) and so heartfelt that it moved me to tears at times. If you have ever had ANY curiosity about the native peoples that inhabited the New England region - READ THIS BOOK! 🙂

[Jane Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable and fascinating. I enjoyed learning the process of archeological research as much as the specific findings of Paleo-Indian sites in New Hampshire. I enjoyed envisioning what it was like 12-13,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age. The first Americans. FYI Goodby has talks on YouTube as well, he is a very educator.

But Prof. Goodby should have stopped there with these things he knows so much about and has great passion. The last 6 pages nearly ruined the book since much of what he wrote in the last pages about the Abenaki of today is not accurate, it is merely repetition of the stories the 4 state Vermont tribes pass along. It not scientific or genealogically correct, not what actual descendants of Abenaki know and say. That is another topic, however. Goodby should have looked into the issue more, or left it out. Repeating these unproven tales helps no one and hurts the Abenaki people who have struggled so long to survive.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and entertaining book on northern New England archaeology, how it’s done and what is known about Abenaki life ways during the pre-contact period. There aren’t many books for the general public and new archaeologists to read about this area. As someone who in the past few years moved to Vermont and has a masters in archaeology (but who never worked as a professional archaeologist), this book was a great introduction to the archaeology of the area. My study areas were always European and south western US archaeology which has lots of books and articles on various topics. It’s been frustrating for me not to have the same information about this area as it is clear from the sites here that this area was heavily populated during the pre-contact period. This book fills a number of gaps and is a quick, enjoyable read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative book on the Native population of the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. Truth be told, I needed this book for an adult education class, otherwise I might not have picked it up. I am glad, however, that I had an opportunity to read this book. It's informative but not written in academic speak; rather geared for the lay person. It's well written and has photos and illustrations throughout to emphasize points or discussion. Dr. Goodby is very familiar with the region and brings his excavations in the region to live in this book.

If you have an interest in Native archeology or cultural anthropology, then this book would be a good one to add to your library.

[Lucinda Winslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, well-written, and powerful to realize, though White culture has tried to erase the indigenous peoples from New Hampshire and the US, they persist, survive, and remain part of our world. What blew me away was the fact that the Abenaki have been in the Monadnock region for 13,000 years. And the earliest settlement overlooked the great Mountain herself. Moving.

[Maineguide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found the first half very interesting—a good account of native history in the northern New England area. The last half was more case studies of various archeological digs the author had been on or overseen. Interesting, but not very informative from a true history perspective.

[Elaine Giacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, true story about the author's discovery of an 12,000 year old Native American settlement at the future site of a middle school in Keene, NH.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! A must-read for anyone living in the Monadnock region of NH.

[Cassey Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I could have gone on reading this forever.

[Jerrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great research on Native Americans from the Lakes Region.