Connecticut Travel

The Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, Connecticut is hosting the 15th annual Native American Archaeological Roundtable via Zoom on Friday, October 30 for $10. To register click https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__Ks8PHcgSlecQEZzE8d1iA The program will take place from 11 am to 2 pm on both days.

Pseudo-archaeology is also known as an alternate, fringe, or cult archaeology. It is a study that has drawn not only professionals but also the American public. Initially, these pseudoarchaeological ideas were most accessible through books, such as Erich Von Däniken’s Chariot of the Gods? (1968), which has sold over 65 million copies (Bond 2018). In recent decades, however, television and the internet have spread pseudoarchaeology to an increasingly large audience. Shows like Ancient Aliens comes immediately to mind.

In this evocative roundtable discussion concepts such as aliens, giants, and Atlanteans will combine with the most visible archaeological sites around the world, and the romantic fantasies generated that often offers a wider appeal than the boring truth. Yet often, the ideas behind pseudo- archaeology hold racist and even dangerous ideas. This year’s roundtable brings together scholars who study this phenomenon to help explain not only the motivations behind these theories but also why they are so attractive to us.

IAIS is proud to be hosting this event online! There will be many discussions about different sites in the Americas, and research being done to uncover them in an effort to increasing access to a public looking for answers. The goal is to find innovative ways to share real archaeological research and to discuss the pitfalls of pseudoarchaeology.

Five animal candidates are vying for the much sought-after title of Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This important election will decide the Zoo’s first Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. The five candidates who have made it past the primary rounds to the general election are:

· Peaches the Nigerian dwarf goat. Peaches is the mother of two sets of triplets and a set of twins. She has raised all the kids on her own, demonstrating her can-do spirit. She’s quiet and friendly unless she needs to assert herself and is rarely in a baaaaad mood.

· Wiggles the 18-year-old chinchilla. As a long-time animal ambassador and a veteran of ZooMobile visits to senior centers as well as starring roles at children’s birthday parties, Wiggles has the experience and know-how to get the job done. Plus this crepuscular rodent has very cute ears.

· Matilda the red-footed tortoise. Matilda is one of the quietest candidates, signaling her position on issues with head movements. Her campaign materials state that while she may not have lightning speed, she believes that slow and steady wins the race.

· Jolene the Whistling duck. Jolene is a born politician. Sociable, boisterous, and noisy, she has supported the rights of ducks who prefer to walk on land as well as those who prefer to perch in trees. She considers all ducks equal under the law.

· E.O. the Giant anteater. E.O., named for famed American biologist E.O. Wilson, shares Wilson’s love of science. A devoted father of two with his partner Pana, E.O. champions ambitious science-based agendas when not enjoying an insect slurry.

This highly contested race will be decided by online votes. The general public can vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote at https://CBZMayor.givesmart.com. Voting begins on Wednesday, October 21. Polls close at four p.m. on Tuesday, November 3.

“Similar to other elections taking place around the country, the race for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is highly contested as each candidate attempts to win the support of voters,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Unlike other elections, we encourage people to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box.”The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will be used to support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research and fun.

If you are a fan of spooktacular tales don’t miss the outdoor event at the Westport Historical Society on October 21 at 4 pm. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow will be resurrected for a special reading of this frightful tale about the headless horseman. Come and hear his famous story while socially distanced on the museum’s lawn.

Space is limited and masks at this event are required. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. The tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased by clicking here.

The annual lantern tour is scheduled for October 31 from 2 pm to 4 pm. Participants will creep through the cemetery virtually with their own lantern and pick up their goodie bag with tricks and treats. Tickets begin at $30, reservations are required, to register, click here.

As a grand finale to the Institute for American Indian Studies temporary exhibition “Skug” that is about snakes in the Eastern Woodlands, they are hosting two live snake presentations on Saturday, October 24 at the Institute located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington. In order to provide safe and interactive sessions for participants in both sessions, there will be two presentations, one at 1 p.m. and a second at 2:30 p.m.

There are many reasons why people fear snakes. It may be because of their predatory nature or the way they slither underfoot or, how they are portrayed in myths and folktales. The live snake demonstration hosted by the Institute hopes to dispel the myths associated with these often-misunderstood reptiles. During this fascinating demonstration, staff from Riverside Reptile Educational Center will bring participants up close to a variety of snakes from a giant python that weighs almost 100 pounds to a Copperhead, one of two venomous snakes found in Connecticut.

The best way to coexist with snakes is to learn about them, which is one of the main points of this live demonstration. This interactive and engaging animal encounter teaches people about the biology of snakes, their habitats, and the conservation efforts that are or should be in place to protect them. Masks are required inside the museum and outdoors on the grounds when you are within six feet of other visitors, staff, or presenters.

The cost to participate in this live demonstration is $5 for members of the Institute, $20 for non-member adults, and $15 non-member children. Reservations are required for this event by calling the Institute at 860-868-0518 or emailing general@iaismuseum.org. This is a popular event so make your reservations today.

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