The roots of the current movement for ethnic studies in American education can be traced to the early colonial period of American history. The Dutch appear to be the earliest settlers with an interest in ethnic studies. The efforts to resist the dominant English culture began in New York in about 1660. Education became one of the ways non-English settlers could restrain the force of British history and customs and of the English language. In order to combat the nativism of the times, minority immigrants organized "ethic schools" and activities that would help to preserve their particular cultures and religious outlooks. Minority groups' use of historical societies for the purpose of providing cultural instruction increased during the early decades of this century. The current movement to resurrect the sentiment for ethnic education is strongly influenced by the writings of W. E. B. DuBois and Carter G. Woodson, who kept the issue before the public for so long. (RB)