Tag: CT event

Illuminate the Night: Join the Full Moon Walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies

Experience the magic of a nighttime winter walk under the last full moon of 2024 at the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) on Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. Embrace the whispers of the winter woods, the crisp air, and the scent of evergreens as you embark on this moonlit adventure.

The Magic of the Long Night Moon
This full moon, just before the Winter Solstice, takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. Known as the Long Night Moon, it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk particularly special. Participants will walk along beautifully maintained wooded trails under this glistening celestial body, learning the various names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it symbolized for them.

A Journey Through Time
As you walk, you’ll discover how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s signs to track the seasons. One of the highlights of this experience is witnessing the beauty of December’s full moon firsthand, just as Native American communities have done for centuries. Participants will learn that the Mohawks, among other Native American communities refer to this moon as the Cold Moon, aptly describing the chilly days and nights of the season.


The Perfect Ending

The woodland walk concludes at the recreated 16th-century Algonkian village, where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and traditional stories await. This unique setting provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the night’s experiences and the historical significance of the December full moon. Remember to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. If the weather looks iffy, check in with us using the contact info below. Space is limited, so pre-register using the link. Cost: $5 for IAIS Members, $10 for Non-Members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. T

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Whiting Mills Spooktacular Event October 5 and 6 and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists’ Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters! Best of all the admission to this event is FREE.

Take a chance to win this basket!

One studio not to be missed is Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts which has been cleverly decorated with all things Halloween. Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting the studio don’t miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a beautiful Gothic black basket embellished by bittersweet that is brimming with Halloween candy!

If you can’t make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 5th and 6th, no worries, Tina’s studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

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Get Ready for Old Fashioned Fun Italian Style!

Bocce’s origins can be traced back to 5200 B.C. with ancient Egyptian artwork that depicts boys playing a game that resembles bocce. As bocce’s popularity grew, it spread through Asia Minor and was adopted by the Greeks and passed on to the Roman Empire. Bocce can be played by anyone, young and old alike, and because of its ease and versatility, it spread throughout the world. Bocce has even made it to Norfolk, Connecticut! Get ready to join the fun on October 6 for Norfolk, Connecticut’s 6th annual Bocce Tournament beginning at 3 p.m.

So get your Bocce team together and head to Norfolk’s Bocce Court located at 10 Station Place. This year brackets start to form at 3 pm and the rolling will start as soon as two teams are assembled. If you want your team to have a guaranteed spot, please email lboucher@norfolkmgmt.com This year event organizers are planning to run 8 teams with 4 people on each team to let as many people play as possible. If you have less than 4 people we may merge you with another small team. Participants will be treated to pizza! Winners will have an engraved name place on the Fence of Fame to be admired for all time!

If you want to take your chances on playing, you’re also welcome to show up and join a team when you arrive if there are spots available! This is a fun fall afternoon and you might end up on our Fence of Fame! If you don’t want to play, half the fun is cheering on your favorite team!

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Annual Founders Day Clambake to Raise Funds for the Institute for American Indian Studies Local Indigenous Artists to be Celebrated

The Institute for American Indian Studies is celebrating its annual Founders Day Clambake on Saturday, September 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Riverwalk Pavilion in Washington Depot, 11 School Street. Along with the traditional Indigenous foods of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes, guests will be treated to an array of artworks by two featured artists, painter Claudine Purdue and fashion designer Brandi Sawyer-Emmons. A silent auction will feature original artwork by local artists such as Elizabeth McDonald and Ruth Jaffe, as well as prints by Cora Marshall, a Native American artist, gift certificates and items from local businesses, and many other items and collectibles. Ojibwe flute artist Allen Mahahbee will perform and is offering one of his hand-made flutes to the silent auction.

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The cost to attend this fundraiser is $75.00 per person. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. To register, visit online at https://www.iaismuseum.org by September 12.

The focus on Indigenous visual arts is new this year, as the IAIS is publicizing its annual art scholarship program. The Institute gives a small stipend to an emerging Native American artist currently enrolled in an arts program and offers them an opportunity for a one-person show at the museum. This year’s recipient will be announced at the event. Claudine Purdue is the 2023 artist. Her paintings explore the stories of Mi’Kimaq and Acadians who are her ancestors. Brandi Sawyer-Emmons, known as BThunder, creates Native American-inspired apparel and accessories including her popular Teepee handbag. Clambake attendees will have an opportunity to bid on items created by these two award-winning artists, along with the other silent auction items. Winners will be announced after this dinner.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits and a replicated 16th-century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than 12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

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A Morning Ramble to Apple Hill and Cat Swamp @ White Memorial Foundation

Start your day on Saturday, August 31st with a hike up to what Gerri refers to as White Memorial’s “Jewel in the Crown”; Apple Hill. If you want to participate meet at the Apple Hill parking area on East Shore Road at 8 a.m. The hike is free but you must pre-register because this hike is open to 15 participants.

On this walk, keep your eyes peeled for Vultures and Eagles soaring overhead. Then take a stroll down the Laurel Hill Trail to visit the spectacular Cat Swamp. Wind your way through a carpet of Princess Pine to the swamp where sightings of Wood Ducks, otters, herons, beavers, and hawks are commonplace.

photo credit: White Memorial

Be sure to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes. A hiking pole might be useful. Some water and bug spray might come in handy too! To register click here

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2024 Summer Camp at the Institute for American Indian Studies Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 2024 summer camp weekly programs for children ages 6 – 12 at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut. The summer camp runs for six consecutive weeks from June 24 through the week of August 5 (excluding the week of July 1), Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Institute’s summer camp programs strive to get children unplugged from indoor activities through exciting hands-on programs that get them outdoors. Weekly programs encourage children to practice team building, make new friends, appreciate nature, and connect with an enriching culture that is more than 12,000 years old. To find out more and to register online visit https://www.iaismuseum.org/summer-camp. For questions call 868-0518 ext. 453 or email gbenjamin@iaismuseum.org.

Native American history comes alive through the educationally entertaining activities curated by the professional Educational Department of the Institute. Trailblazing through the woods, investigating the natural world, mock archaeological digs, educational games, listening to traditional Native American stories, learning new crafts, and working together to complete a group project are just some of the ways children will enjoy their time at the Institute. Each week the Institute will offer a different series of exciting programs to engage and educate children.

A connection to nature plays a critical role in a child’s development. Children that want to learn more about the natural environment and how they relate to it might want to register for, “Getting in Touch with Your Senses,” from June 24 – June 28.

“Planting Seeds for Growth: Project Week,” from July 8-July 12 will teach children invaluable skills that have been passed down through generations of Native American communities. Foraging, building from natural materials, sewing, and weaving, are just some of the topics that will be covered. This program will help build confidence, teach basic survival skills, and enhance understanding of the great outdoors.

Children who are budding writers, actors, actresses, puzzle solvers, and researchers will enjoy “A Play on Words: Imagination and Learning Through Storytelling,” from July 15- July 19. These programs are finely tuned to help further develop children’s communication skills by sharpening their abilities to record, pass on, and interpret information in many ways from storytelling to theatrical expression.

Perfect for children concerned about the environment and how to survive naturally, “Power of the Eighth Generation: Eco-Survival Skills,” from July 22 – July 26 promises to be as fun as it is informative. Campers will practice traditional survival skills like navigation, carving, lashing, and more as they explore technologies that Native Americans used for thousands of years to thrive in the Eastern Woodlands. Through these programs, campers will also learn how we impact our environment.

For children interested in archeology, “Time Travel: Understanding the Past, Present, and Future,” from July 29 – August 2 is a must. Campers will learn how to put scientific methods into practice and learn the power of oral tradition through games, mock digs, and other activities.

Ideal for children who have a thirst for knowledge and want a deeper understanding of our natural environment, “Ecological Explorations: Two-Eyed Seeing in the Natural World,” from August 5- August 9, is perfect for them. The programs being offered explore the concept of both traditional indigenous ecological knowledge and Western scientific concepts to help children better understand the natural environment from two informative and yet different perspectives. Plant and animal identification, traditional ways Native American communities have used and respected the land and water, animal adaptations, and much more make this a unique educational experience.

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 a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

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