This year with social distancing in mind, the Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting its annual Founder’s Day clambake on Saturday, September 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the River Walk Pavilion, 11A School Street in Washington, Connecticut. This annual event held every September, honors the founders of the museum and celebrates Connecticut’s Indigenous people, and the bounty harvested from Connecticut’s waterways.
In addition to a delicious dinner of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes, folks attending this year’s Founder’s Day clambake are in for a special treat – a riveting performance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. Formed in 1963, this is the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. The Thunderbirds are dedicated to keeping the traditions, songs, and dances of Native Americans alive that might otherwise have been lost.
Guests will be regaled with stories, dances, colorful costumes, traditional music, and chanting that celebrates the diversity of Native American culture from the Northeast, Southwest, and Great Plains regions. The Thunderbirds have toured across the United States, and in Japan, Canada, and Israel bringing a greater understanding of American Indian people through their performances.
If you plan to attend this festive celebration staff members will conduct a temperature and symptom check upon your arrival. Each table will be for family or friends only and all guests are required to wear masks in accordance with the State Executive order. There will be plenty of hand sanitizing stations, and restrooms and high touch areas will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
The cost of the clambake is $40 for members of the Institute and $50 for nonmembers. If you prefer to enjoy your clambake at home, the Institute is also offering curbside pick-up. All reservations must be made in advance. A special menu for children is also offered for $10. To reserve your tickets click https://www.eventbrite.com/e/founders-clambake-tickets-118518581267 The proceeds for this year’s annual clambake will go to the education department in order to support schools’ indigenous curriculum through the Institute’s newly developed remote learning programs.
About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.
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