Helen Manning

Helen Edith Vanderhoop Manning Murray (September 24, 1919 - January 25, 2008) was a Native American historian and author from the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, known for her book "Moshup's Footsteps" published in 2000[1] and her work as the education director at the Tribe.

Marriage

While working at Fisk University, Manning met Joseph Murray due to the fact that he was attending dental school in the same area. Shortly after meeting, in July 1946 the two married and resided in Washington D.C. until 1953. At that time, Joseph was deployed to Korea as part of the army. After returning home from overseas, the couple divorced. Manning was able to find love again and in 1961 she married James Manning, instantly becoming a stepmother to his three daughters, June, Judith, and Jyl. James Manning was also a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. Together the two along with James’ parents (Captain Walter Manning and Ada) opened up a family restaurant. In addition they established a gift shop, Manning’s Snack Bar, and cottages near the town’s lighthouse. There, it was Manning’s role to prepare the food for the restaurant, including chowder, lobster, fried clams, and pie. Unfortunately, James Manning passed away in 1974, leaving Manning as a widow and closing down the family restaurant. Today, the restaurant has been transformed into a cottage and is rented out to visitors. However, in 2002 Manning and her first husband Joseph Murray rekindled their flame and remarried, residing in Washington D.C once more.

Ancestry and childhood

Manning was born in Gay Head to mother Evelyn Magretta (Moss) and father Arthur Herbert Vanderhoop. As an only child, Manning was fortunate enough to spend her summers at Gay Head while receiving her education in Washington D.C. throughout the school year. Starting at the age of seven, she would live with her maternal grandmother Lavina Moss, aunt Edith Moss, and uncle Berry Armstrong Claytor during the school year in order to gain a higher level of education than she would at Gay Head. Also residing in her grandmothers home were Manning’s cousins Richard and Beryl, who became more like siblings. Even while being educated in Washington D.C, there was never a time that Manning didn’t look forward to returning to her simple life with cranberry bogs at Gay Head.

Honoring her heritage

In 1972 Manning was able to give back to Gay Head in more ways than just teaching. For 16 years she served as the director on the Wampanoag Tribal Council. As a part of this council, she made it her duty to fight for federal recognition of her tribe. And in April 1987, the tribe did receive its federal recognition, marking this as one of Manning’s biggest accomplishments. Upon gaining this recognition, Manning became the tribal council secretary.[2] However, she didn’t stop there, in November 1974 she was elected to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. She received the most votes throughout the island, bringing in 2,161 votes. In addition, from 1976-1979 Manning was the Gay Head selectman, on the Aquinnah Cultural Council, and Philbin scholarship committee, all while being the library trustee for over 20 years.[3]

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head

Manning was the director of education for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. As part of this position she served on many committees such as the human services, health, hospitality and Christiantown museum. Also, on the Aquinnah Cultural Board, she was a part of the community service programs as well as the language revitalization program. She represented her people on the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs in addition to being the treasurer of the Aquinnah Cultural Center. Reminding her of her childhood education in Washington D.C. she also gave back to the students by chaperoning the American Indian Youth Summit taking place in D.C. during 1998, 1999, and 2001. She accomplished all of this before officially retiring as the director of education for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head in 1996.[4]

References
  1. Moore, Kaylea. "Helen Vanderhoop Manning Was Historian of Wampanoags".
  2. Manning, Helen. Dawnland Voices: An Anthology of Indigenous Writing from New England. University of Nebraska Press. pp. 450–453.
  3. "Oral History Unit: An Interview with Aquinnah Wampanoag Elder Helen Manning". Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
  4. Associated Press. "Gay Head or Aquinnah? Change comes to a vote".
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