In 2021, we worked with the New Hampshire Historical Society to include Tasha’s work in their social studies curriculum for upper elementary students. This curriculum is now live and available free online for use in classrooms, homeschools and for anyone interested in history.
Tasha is featured in Lesson 3 of the Unit 15 Plan: Forging a Modern Identity. This unit explores how New Hampshire identity developed over the course of the 20th century, a period of profound changes in the economy, technology, and culture. “Yankee” values like thrift, independence, and self-sufficiency, along with the steady predictability of small-town life, came to define the Granite State.
History lovers of any age will enjoy the masterful collection of ideas. Here’s an excerpt:
The origin of the word “Yankee” is a mystery, but…
-“Yankee” has been used as a nickname for people from the northern United States since the American Revolution.
-It started out as an insult, used by the British to describe the inexperienced American soldiers.
-During the Civil War, Southerners used the word “Yankee” to negatively refer to Northerners.
-During World War I and World War II, all Americans were referred to as “Yanks” by other countries, but in a way that made Americans feel proud.
-After World War II, the term was mostly used to describe people from New England who were thrifty problem-solvers who stuck to their beliefs.
-It became a term of pride for people in New England that they could rally around.
Special thanks to the New Hampshire Historical Society for including Tasha.
Image from Tasha’s 1957 book Around the Year