Helen Manning facts for kids

Helen Edith Vanderhoop Manning Murray (September 24, 1919 – January 25, 2008) was an important Native American historian and writer. She was a member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe. Helen Manning is well-known for her book "Moshup's Footsteps," which came out in 2000. She also worked as the education director for her Tribe.

Early Life and Education

Helen Manning was born in Gay Head, Massachusetts. Her mother was Evelyn Magretta (Moss), and her father was Arthur Herbert Vanderhoop. She was an only child.

Every summer, Helen would spend time in Gay Head. During the school year, she lived in Washington D.C. This started when she was seven years old. She stayed with her grandmother, Lavina Moss, and other family members. This allowed her to get a better education than she could in Gay Head. Even while studying in D.C., Helen always looked forward to returning to her home. She loved the simple life among the cranberry bogs in Gay Head.

A Career Helping Her Tribe

Helen Manning was the director of education for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. In this role, she helped with many important projects. She worked on committees for human services, health, and hospitality. She also helped with the Christiantown museum.

On the Aquinnah Cultural Board, she supported community programs. She also worked on a program to bring back the Wampanoag language. Helen represented her people on the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs. She was also the treasurer of the Aquinnah Cultural Center.

She helped students by going with them to the American Indian Youth Summit. This event took place in Washington D.C. in 1998, 1999, and 2001. Helen Manning retired as the education director in 1996.

Personal Life and Family

Marriages and Family Business

Helen Manning met Joseph Murray while she was working at Fisk University. Joseph was studying dentistry nearby. They got married in July 1946 and lived in Washington D.C. until 1953. Joseph then went to Korea as part of the army. After he returned, they divorced.

In 1961, Helen married James Manning. She became a stepmother to his three daughters: June, Judith, and Jyl. James Manning was also a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. Together, Helen and James, along with James's parents, opened a family restaurant. They also started a gift shop called Manning’s Snack Bar and rented out cottages. These businesses were located near the town’s lighthouse.

Helen was in charge of preparing the food for the restaurant. She made delicious chowder, lobster, fried clams, and pies. Sadly, James Manning passed away in 1974. This meant Helen became a widow, and the family restaurant closed. Today, the old restaurant building is a cottage that visitors can rent. In 2002, Helen and her first husband, Joseph Murray, remarried. They lived in Washington D.C.

Working for Tribal Recognition

In 1972, Helen Manning began to help Gay Head in new ways. For 16 years, she was a director on the Wampanoag Tribal Council. Her main goal on the council was to fight for federal recognition for her tribe. This meant getting the United States government to officially recognize the Wampanoag Tribe.

In April 1987, the tribe finally received its federal recognition. This was one of Helen Manning’s biggest achievements! After this, she became the tribal council secretary. But she didn't stop there. In November 1974, she was elected to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. She received the most votes on the entire island, with 2,161 votes.

From 1976 to 1979, Helen Manning served as a Gay Head selectman. She was also on the Aquinnah Cultural Council and the Philbin scholarship committee. For over 20 years, she was a library trustee.