Short excerpt from America's Library article:

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum
A Local Legacy

Do you know who Benjamin Banneker was and what he did?

Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated scientist at a time when most African Americans were slaves.
Born a free black man in the British Colony of Maryland in 1731, he received some formal education,
but he mostly borrowed books and taught himself science and mathematics.

I. Vocabulary words from this article:

almanac
astronomy
carve
chime
eclipse
museum
pocket watch
scientist
telescope
wooden

Click here for vocabulary matching exercise.

II. Pre-Reading Questions

What was the status of most African-Americans in the 1770s?

If you had to educate yourself, how would you do it?

III. Reading Time

Click here to read the article!

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum
from America's Library (www.americaslibrary.gov)

When you have finished reading, return to this page and answer the questions below.

IV. Post-Reading Questions

1. What subjects did Benjamin teach himself?

2. Which of Mr. Banneker's works is best known?

Click for Answers.