One of the most famous stories in American history involves the trading of beads. Legend has it that Peter Minuit and the Dutch settlers purchased Manhattan in 1625 for $24 in beads.  Although, they now say our history books have it wrong and the Dutch bought Manhattan in 1636 for “trade goods” worth (at the time) about 24 gold dollars.  

However, a true bead story involves the first war the English fought against the Native Americans.  It was the Pequot War of 1637.  What did they fight over? A bead.

Our bead story is far less glamorous.  It involves a jewelry making class– another item on my Summer Bucket List.  After a 2.5 hour instruction, we walked away with our beaded necklaces and the ability “to crimp”.