African Nova Scotian Teaching and Learning Resources

''Rita Sampson, 7th generation of Hoping Bowen and Samuel Johnson''

Rita Sampson was descended from two of the original settlers of Five Mile Plains. Sampson's ancestors, Hoping Bowen and Samuel Johnson were refugees of the War of 1812. They came to Nova Scotia in 1815. Little is known about Bowen. However, Samuel Johnson was remembered as a strong, able man and a good farmer. His wife was remembered as a splendid cook who was skilled at knitting and sewing and able to read.

Date: ca. 1950

Reference: Nova Scotia Archives Lenore DeWolf Rathbun, First Freed Slaves at Five Mile Plains and Vicinity (typescript, 1950), ill. number 4 (Library GN R18)

Questions to Consider

What do you think is happening in the photograph?

Who is shown in the photograph?

What type of event is shown in the photograph?

What do you think is the center of attention or focus of the photograph?

Why do you think this photograph was taken? Who do you think the intended audience was?

How do you think the photograph reflects the attitude and values of the time in which it was taken?

Do you notice anything unusual or unexpected about the photograph?

If the photograph depicts an event:

When do you think it took place?

Where do you think it took place?

Do you think this is a unique event or something that happened often?

If you think the event is unique, then what do you think make it unique?

If the photograph depicts a person or people:

Can you name the people in the photograph? What ages do you think they might be?

Is the person well known or famous for something in particular?

Where do you think the people lived?

What do you think the people's main activities were?

What sort of things can you tell about the people based on how they are dressed?