Connecticut Travel

When people think of Native American weapons, bows and arrows are among the first things that spring to mind, and with good reason. Just about every Native American community had some form of a bow and arrow that was used for hunting or warfare, and sometimes for both.

Before the bow and arrow, Native Americans, along with people from many other cultures worldwide used something called an Atlatl for hunting and fishing. Essentially an atlatl is a dart thrower that allows hunters to throw a dart or arrow farther and faster than by hand alone. To learn more about this ancient technology and to make and throw your own atlatl, The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a very special workshop, Atlatl Workshop with Susan Scherf, on May 11 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

The Workshop

If you like to make things with your hands and test your skills, then this workshop is for you. Participants in the atlatl workshop will learn about the history and different designs of this useful ancient weapon that was used by Native Americans as well as by a multitude of cultures around the world. Under the guidance of atlatl expert and IAIS Educator, Susan Scherf, participants will learn about the different designs of this ancient weapon before making their own atlatl and dart.

The fun really begins with learning how to use your newly made atlatl and seeing how much farther your arrow goes. The atlatl session ends with a friendly atlatl throwing competition. If you become an atlatl fan, you might end up competing in atlatl competitions that are held throughout the world!

This workshop is $5 for members of the Institute and $15 for non-members and, an adult must accompany participants under 18. To reserve your spot for this fun and educational workshop call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org.

About the Atlatl

An atlatl is one of humankind’s first mechanical inventions that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world. Basically, an atlatl is an ancient type of a spear thrower that was used to throw a spear farther and faster towards the quarry. The word atlatl comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs who were using them when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s.

According to the World Atlatl Association, early people in the Americas used atlatls to hunt mammoths and mastodons around 11,000 years B.C. Much later, a variety of atlatl types were used in different parts of North America. Many of the large stone projectile points found in North American sites were used with atlatl darts and not arrowheads.

Atlatls continued to be used alongside bows and arrows by many Native Americans. Experimentation through the years taught Naive American hunters that by using a spear throwing stick, or atlatl and using a whip-like action to release the spear the weapon would go a greater distance and have a deeper penetration. Atlatls were used to fish and to hunt large and small game animals.

Typically the projectile point of the spearhead was made of hard stone such as flint that was made by a Native American flintknapper. The spearhead was attached to a wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut or birch. The spear measured about 4 feet long and the atlatl thrower measured about two feet long and was typically made of wood or antler.

In time, an atlatl weight was added to the spear thrower as a counter-balance and good luck charm to help the hunter hit his quarry. The spear holder was retained after the spear was thrown and sometimes a leather thong was attached to help the thrower retain it.

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, Wigwam Escape Room, 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.

In honor of Frances Osborne Kellogg’s 143rd birthday, the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby Connecticut will have a photo exhibition celebrating the achievements of female inventors and innovators during the month of May.

Born on May 11, 1876, during the Victorian Era, Frances was a Renaissance woman who was involved in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields—managing her factories, breeding prized Holstein-Friesian cattle, and playing and teaching the violin. Additionally, her family had several patents in garment accessories and building design.

In the 1890s, when Frances was a young woman on the verge of taking over her family’s businesses, 58 percent of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students were girls. By 1955, a year before Frances’ death, girls represented less than half of all STEM students. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization 2016 report, women worldwide represent 35 percent of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study. Frances was an advocate of higher education for girls and women, and this special exhibition is meant to inspire and bring attention to the incredible women leaders in STEAM from Frances’ time to today.

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum throughout the month of May and learn about the women who changed the world! The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue off of Rte. 34 in Derby. For additional information call (203) 734-2513.

The Beardsley Zoo located on 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport is gearing up for summer fun. Below please find the rooster of fun events taking place at the Zoo in May and June, 2019.

May, 2019

May 4, International Firefighters’ Day

The Zoo thanks all firefighters for their exceptional courage and commitment. We’re offering free admission to all firefighters today, as well as police officers and emergency personnel. Show your badge or ID card at the ticket window.
May 12, Mother’s Day

Connecticut’s only Zoo wants to thank all mothers and grandmothers. Bring your mom or grandmother to the Zoo on Mother’s Day and her ticket is on us. Enjoy this special day by visiting animals and then having lunch together in the Peacock Pavilion. This year, we’re offering Mommy and Me treats, a beverage of your choice and a treat for one, two, or three children plus one adult, available for purchase at the Peacock Café.

May 14 & 15, Zoo Tots, 10:30 a.m.

This monthly 45-minute program for children ages 22 months to four years, who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, activities, crafts, and live animals. This session is entitled “Garden Critters,” and will focus on animals that like gardens. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child; $15 for non-members and one child. Participants may sign up for either day. To make a reservation, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563, or register by email: programming@beardsleyzoo.orgwith your name, child’s name and age, and membership status.

May 15, Evening Lecture Series, 7:00 pm; Gorongosa National Park—Back from the Brink!

The zoo’s evening lecture series engage audiences of all ages, especially lifelong learners. The resurrection of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique is an amazing story of ecological restoration. Situated in Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Gorongosa’s dramatic landscape is also a biodiversity hotspot, an incredibly rich and important conservation area in southern Africa. Thanks to the generosity of the Carr Foundation, Gorongosa National Park is being developed and managed as a premier site for research and education, for the people who live in and around the park as well as the growing number of visitors that are discovering Gorongosa’s natural beautify and magic. In 2017, speaker Jim Serach had the opportunity to take a group of high school students there to study tropical ecology in the field, and to see firsthand a model of how to bring an African park back to life. $10 suggested donation. Refreshments provided. In the Zoo’s Hanson Building, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport.

May 17, Endangered Species Day

Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them.

May 24, AARP Fourth Fridays FREE, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
AARP CT’s Fourth Fridays FREE at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is back! AARP CT will provide members with free admission to the Zoo on fourth Fridays May through September (May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27). Join us as many times as you like, but please be sure to register at http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/aarp/. AARP members may purchase admission for up to three guests at a 15 percent discount off regular admission prices.

May 25, 26, 27, Family Favorite Chris Rowlands Live 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Chris is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage as he shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. Shown at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm. daily. Each performance is 30-35 minutes long.

May 27, Memorial Day

All active service members and veterans get in free, and their families get 20% off the price of tickets.

June, 2019

June 1, Wild Wine Safari

Zoo closes at 3 p.m. Join us for a fabulous night of great fare from local vendors and tastings of 100 different wines and more than 60 different beers from around the world and close to home.

Zoo Tots, June 11-12, 10:30 a.m.

This monthly 45-minute program, for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and a live animal presentation. This session is “Some Like It Hot,” where we learn about how animals handle a variety of temperatures. $10 for Zoo members and one child; $15 for non-members and one child.Participants may sign up for either day. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at 203-394-6563, or register by email: programming@beardsleyzoo.orgwith name, child’s name and age, and membership status.

June 16, Father’s Day

Dads and Granddads get in free with one paying guest. Cannot be combined with other offers.

June 19, Evening Lecture Series, 7:00 pm; Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

The zoo’s evening lecture series engage audiences of all ages, especially lifelong learners, who have an appetite for delving deeper into the wonders of wildlife.Sarah Omusula will highlight the amazing work Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) is doing to save wild cheetahs. Learns about the use of scat detection dogs, how ACK is working to mitigate human/wildlife conflicts, and about their unique education and outreach programs, ACK is a non-profit organization under the Carnivores Livelihoods and Landscapes Program whose mission is to promote the conservation of cheetahs through research, awareness and community participation in Kenya. $10 suggested donation. Refreshments will be served. Location: The Zoo’s Hanson Building, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport.

June 28, AARP Fourth Fridays FREE; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you’re an AARP cardholder, show your card or invitation and you get free admission to the Zoo! Up to three additional guests will receive a 15% discount off regular admission prices.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 97thyear, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican and red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarin. Other highlights include our Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, and the Pampas Plain, with Giant anteaters, maned wolf family, and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.