Incentives to the Study of the Ancient Period of American History An address, delivered before the New York Historical Society, at its forty-second anniversary, 17th November 1846

Incentives to the Study of the Ancient Period of American History by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft is a compelling speech delivered in 1846 that seeks to ignite a passion for the exploration of America's forgotten past. Focusing on pre-European cultures, the piece unveils the importance of unearthing ancient civilizations and their lingering marks on the land. Schoolcraft navigates through the evidence of sophisticated Indigenous societies, challenging the conventional historical lens that often overshadows their contributions. He advocates for an academic curiosity towards archaeological treasures like mounds and pyramids, and hints at the breathtaking linguistic, architectural, and astronomical feats of those who came before. As a call to arms, the work urges modern scholars to leverage new knowledge to rewrite the story of America, exposing the myths and telling the untold epics of early societies.