around 1700
North American Hornbook
Only known hornbook likely constructed and used in North America
This hornbook from the collection of Nerida Ellerton and Ken Clements is the only known example of a hornbook likely constructed and used in North America in the period 1607–1850. It was originally used for the education of indigenous children in Michigan.
A hornbook is a book that serves as a primer for study. The hornbook originated in England as long ago as 1450, or earlier. In children's education, in the years before modern educational materials were used, it referred to a leaf or page displaying the alphabet, religious materials, etc., covered with a transparent sheet of horn (or mica) and attached to a frame with a handle. This hornbook is the only known example likely constructed and used in North America in the period 1607–1850. It is probably more than three hundred years old and was originally used for the education of indigenous children in Michigan.
