Category: Connecticut Travel

Have you ever wondered how Native Americans survived in the wilderness without any modern tools? If you have, then make sure to attend the flintknapping workshop at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington with Jeff Kalin, a primitive technologist on Saturday, July 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited for this in-person event and pre-registration is required. To register, visit the website, call 860-868-0518, or email events@iaismuseum.org.

In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the birth of jazz legend – and Wilton’s own — Dave Brubeck, the Wilton Historical Society will present Remembering Dave: A Brubeck Family Album that will run through July 30, 2021. The exhibition  incorporates material from Dave Brubeck: Jazz Ambassador  which detailed his illustrious 70-year career and was presented at Jazz at Lincoln Center soon after Brubeck’s death.  

Admission to the Wilton Historical Society is free for Wilton Historical Society members;  $10 entrance fee for non-member adults, and free for children under 18.

On July 4th the Litchfield Historical Society is once again hosting the annual Pet Parade and Turn of the Century Fest from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Tapping Reeve Meadow on 82 South Street in Litchfield.

All pets – dogs, cats, snails and even stuffed animals are invited to the meadow to fete Independence Day.  If you want to participate in the parade and bring your ped to the judge’s booth to be given their award, you must pre-register. All participating pets must be registered for judging and be either on a leash or in a cage. If applicable, pets must be up-to-date on vaccines.  To register your pet for free click here. Afterward, join in on the fun-filled, family amusements such as sack races, and tuck of war contests. Don’t miss the photo booth were you can take images perfect for family scrapbooks and memories.

The Glebe House located on Old Hollow Road in the heart of Woodbury is offering a series of engaging summer camps for kids that are unique, fun and educational. This year, for three weeks, a series of hands on learning sessions will be offered at this historic site that will span Colonial and Victorian life in Woodbury.

The first session that runs from July 12 through July 16, is focused on “Hands on History” and ideal for children ages 6 through 12 years. Kids will step back to 18th century Woodbury and experience living history by making candles, playing colonial games, churning butter and learning about all the clever gadgets in the museum that eased chores for people living during this historic era.

The second session runs from July 19-23, and is called the “Art of the Garden.” There is no better place to learn about the art of the garden then at a museum that curates the only garden designed by famed British gardener, Gertrude Jekyll. At this summer camp, kids will have fun tending and learning about the Colonial Children’s Garden. They will also learn about container gardening, the importance of herbal remedies at this time, and even have the chance to paint in the garden.

The third session is a series of themed day programs that will run from 9 am to 1 pm and are perfect for kids ages 10 to 15. This series of programs includes an exciting roster of activities that is instructive and inspiring. On the July, 26 there is a session on Colonial Lighting and tin lanterns, on July 27,  there is a Colonial cooking program, July 28 offers print and block making, July 29, basket making and July 30, the art of simple weaving and textiles. These hands on engaging sessions are sure to delight children teaching them skills from the past that can be used today.

All sessions are limited to 12 children. For more information and to register for these unique programs that celebrate early American history, horticulture, arts and trade, click here. or email office@glebehousemuseum.org or call 203-263-2855.

If you are interested in learning about the techniques used by archaeologists then register for the Flotation Workshop being held at the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut on Saturday, June 26 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. To register click here. Space is limited for this program and pre-registration is required. For additional questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

Not all of the information archaeologists learn about the past comes from artifacts. Some of the most telling information can come from the dirt. When things like hearths, or burned areas are found the soil is removed and packed up to be taken back to the lab. This is done so that all of the soil can be saved.

In the lab, the dried soil is placed in a tub that has been filled with water. The lighter organic materials “float,” which gives this technique its name. The remaining soil is run through a series of sieves that catch even the finest materials. This technique is used to find charcoal, fish scales, nut fragments, and even grass seeds. These small bits can tell archaeologists so much!

Participants in this workshop will join the Institute’s Research Department for an in-depth demonstration of this useful technique. A highlight of this program is the chance to try this process out for yourself.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, the 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 in Washington Connecticut.

For many of us, strawberries signal the real start of summer. For Native Americans, strawberries are deeply rooted in their beliefs and spiritual traditions. Native Americans believe that when wild strawberries ripen they represent life and good health. 

On Sunday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting an event that celebrates the strawberry. Participants will enjoy family-friendly small group education activities related to the gifts of this fruit that holds great significance to many Native American communities. A highlight is listening to traditional Native American stories with Education Director, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation while learning about the importance of giving thanks for the bounty of the Earth.

The price of the event is $15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $11 for Children, $5 for IAIS Members. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Questions? Please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.  To register click here.