Dutch explorers and colonists played a major role in the settlement and development of what is now New York state. Explorers Henry Hudon and Adraen Block, hired by Dutch merchants, led the way for the Dutch colonists. Some colonists came to find religious freedom. Others came hoping the area's riches would make them wealthy. The books in this kit describe family life, homes, farming practices, and the roles of adults and children in the Dutch colony from 1624 until the surrender of the colony to the British in 1664. (class set of books/teacher's guide/12 map trancparencies/ map activities blackline masters/big book with guide).