photo courtesy of Adam Zurn
Uncharted Lancaster’s Adam Zurn Publishes Debut Children’s Book
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Asia Tabb
photo courtesy of Adam Zurn
Aired; June 30th, 2025.
Local educator, historian, and adventurer Adam Zurn has taken his passion for Pennsylvania’s hidden history from blog to bookshelf. In his debut children’s book Canassatego and His Six Arrows, Zurn tells the powerful story of unity shared by the Onondaga chief Canassatego during the 1744 Treaty of Lancaster—a message that helped shape America’s earliest ideas of governance.
The idea for the book came out of necessity. Zurn had been invited to speak at the Mount Joy Library’s “So You Want to Be…” series, where he was to present as an adventurer. The format involved reading a story to children.
“I was going to talk about the Native Americans that used to live here in Lancaster County, and when I went looking for a book I couldn’t find one that I liked,” Zurn explained. “So I decided, you know what—I’ll just write one.”
What started as a presentation idea quickly became a 30-page children’s book for readers ages 6 to 10, beautifully illustrated to show real Lancaster landmarks and moments from history. The book focuses on the summer of 1744, when hundreds of Iroquois leaders and colonial delegates met in Lancaster for what became known as the Great Treaty.
“The most memorable speech was Canassatego’s,” Zurn said. “He pulled a single arrow from his quiver and easily broke it—saying this is what a colony alone looks like. But when he pulled six arrows together, representing the six nations of the Iroquois, he couldn’t break them. He said, ‘Together, we are strong.’”
That message made its way across the colonies thanks to Benjamin Franklin, who printed the treaty’s proceedings in his Philadelphia newspaper. “Franklin was heavily influenced by Canassatego’s words,” said Zurn, noting the symbolism even made its way onto the Great Seal of the United States. “When you look at the back of a one-dollar bill, you’ll see an eagle holding 13 arrows in one talon. That’s a nod to this story and the power of unity.”
Illustrations in the book reflect actual Lancaster landmarks like the original courthouse, which once stood in what is now Penn Square. “There are a few pictures of them outside the courthouse, and eventually they go inside,” Zurn said. “We don’t have photos of the interior, but we have paintings, so I worked with the illustrator to make it accurate. I wanted people in the area to recognize it.”
Though he’s well known for his Uncharted Lancaster platform, which explores offbeat and often forgotten stories from Central Pennsylvania, Zurn said crafting a children’s book was a new challenge—one he met with help from his wife, a first-grade teacher.
“There’s a pile of children’s books here in the house,” he joked. “She gave me feedback on language, pacing, and helped shape the tone. It’s written simply, but it repeats the message: we are stronger together. I think that’s something not just for kids, but for all of us, especially in today’s divided times.”
Each page of the book features narrative, illustrations, and at the bottom—a short historical “fun fact” that adds depth for older readers. “It’s like an Easter egg for history lovers,” Zurn said. “Whether it’s how to pronounce Canassatego’s name, a reminder that Lancaster was once the U.S. capital for a day, or what wampum belts meant, it gives more context.”
Canassatego and His Six Arrows is now available in paperback on Amazon and the Uncharted Lancaster website. It’s ideal for young readers, educators, and families looking to connect with local history in a meaningful and accessible way.
As Zurn summed up: “This story happened right here in Lancaster County. It’s ours. And now it’s something kids can hold in their hands—and maybe feel inspired to look deeper into the place they call home.”
