Tag: #iaismuseum

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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Stories from the Animals @ Institute for American Indian Studies with White Memorial Conservation Center

Everyone loves a good story. Listening to stories especially those passed down through generations is one of the best ways to connect with each other and the world around us. The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut in partnership with Litchfield’s White Memorial Conservation Center is presenting a powerful program called “Stories from Animals,” beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th.

Colleen Harrak, White Memorial’s Environmental Educator will join award-winning storyteller, Darlene Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation and IAIS Educational Outreach Ambassador for an entertaining program that includes stories and live, local woodland animals. The goal of this program is to show participants how to experience Etuaptmumk – a Mi’kmaw saying that translates to “two-eyed seeing.” This idea encourages people to look at the same concept from both Western and Indigenous knowledge.

Oral tradition is an important cultural component in Native American culture because it is the very stories told that keep the knowledge and the traditions alive. “As a storyteller in Native communities, I bear a profound responsibility,” said Darlene Kascak. “I am entrusted with the task of preserving, protecting, and passing down oral stories that are hundreds if not thousands of years old. This role is not a duty it is also a deep-rooted passion that I hold dear. I am driven by the urgency to keep this tradition alive so that future generations can experience the beauty of learning through storytelling,” Kascak added.

The highlight of this program is the combination of several live animal ambassadors brought by the White Memorial Conservation Center and the Native American stories about each of these animals that offer timeless life lessons. The price of participation is $15 for non-members and $5 for members of the Institute. Pre-registration is advised by visiting iaismusueum.org.

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 than12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

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Full Moon Walk with Institute for American Indian Studies December 26 @ 6

If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to walk off some of the holiday goodies you have been eating then join the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies for a Full Moon Walk on Tuesday, December 26 at 6 p.m. This year, even the moon is in a festive mood and will be fully illuminated on December 25th, 26th, and 27th. This full moon after the Winter Solstice takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. One of the names of the December full moon is “Long Night Moon” because it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk extra special.

As participants walk along the beautifully wooded trails on the grounds of the museum under the glistening full moon they will learn what names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it meant to them. Participants will learn how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s corresponding signs to track the seasons.

A highlight of this experience is to witness and celebrate firsthand the beauty of December’s full moon, as Native American communities have done for centuries. For example, the most common name for the December Moon, attributed to the Mohawks, is the Cold Moon which perfectly describes the cold days and nights during this time of year. The woodland walk ends at the newly restored 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and stories will greet participants.

Inside the wigwam

Please dress appropriately for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy footwear. If there are weather-related concerns on the day of the program, please contact the museum at 860-868-0518. The price of participation is $5 for IAIS Members and $10 for Non-Members. To register click here https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14300

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 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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Holiday Market Features Indigenous Artists & @ Institute for American Indian Studies November 25 & 26, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10

Once again this year, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington is hosting a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience that celebrates Native American culture. What makes this Holiday Market unique is that it offers both deeply traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions rooted in Native American cultural experience. Artists represented here are some of the finest working in the area today. It is a celebration of Native American diversity and inspiration.

The Holiday Market throughout the Institute’s impressive exhibition galleries takes place on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, and Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. The final weekend for the holiday market is on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10. The market is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This is one of the few Holiday Markets that showcases only Native American-inspired artwork.

There are so many gifts to choose from including Native American jewelry, paintings, photography, apparel, and candles, to decorative gourds, pottery, rattles, flutes and more at a variety of price points. The chance to talk with the artists who have created these one-of-a-kind objects and to learn about the culture that inspired them makes your gift purchase even more meaningful.

For music lovers, musicians, and collectors, the magical-sounding authentic Woodland Native American flutes handcrafted by Allen Madahbee are truly unique. Madahbee is an Anishinaabe, born on Manitoulin Island, and is a registered Native American in Canada and the United States. In addition to the one-of-a-kind flutes, Madahbee is offering handmade beaded moccasins, woodcarvings, rock sculptures, and original paintings inspired by his ancestors and experiences.

Another vendor, Kim Lewis from Native Visions will be offering an astounding array of Native American Art from Oklahoma and the Southwest including a fine selection of original paintings and prints, Zuni Fetishes, silver jewelry, pottery by Mel Cornshucker, plus Hopi, and Navajo Kachinas.

A long-time favorite of the Holiday Market is Primitive Technologies, a nationally known small business that has worked with everyone from filmmakers to museum curators to recreate the material culture of prehistoric Native American life. They offer exquisite wood-fired replica pottery, hand-constructed from local river clay, hand-carved flint arrowheads and flint animal necklaces, carved stone art, traditional stone tools, containers made out of natural materials, unusual jewelry, and decorative gourds.

Jeanne Morningstar Kent, a recognized Abenaki artist and enrolled member of the Nulhegan Band, Coosuk-Abenaki of Vermont will be offering her artfully crafted decorative gourds in all sizes. Kent’s work is housed in many museum collections including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian Studies, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Roger Williams University, Chimney Point Museum, and many more. What makes these gourds unusual is that they utilize traditional Abenaki and Wabanaki designs.

Brandy Sawyer Emmans of Cherokee descent and owner of bthunder will once again be at the holiday market. Runway model for the Sky Eagle Collection, Native American educator, and advocate for MMIW (Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women), which offers an evocative selection of contemporary Native American-inspired art, jewelry, apparel, candles, and accessories.

Not to be missed is Eva Newell, an enrolled citizen of the Pokanoket Tribe, Pokanoket Nation in Rhode Island. Eva is a multi-talented artist who offers a range of artwork including beadwork, coil baskets, paintings, and glass mosaic storyteller vases. When she is not vending, Eva is an exhibit artist and craft instructor who has worked with institutions throughout New England.”Newell’s beadwork and baskets are also extraordinary. Eva will be participating during the December 9th and 10th market only.

The Museum’s Gift Shop will be open and brimming with gifts large and small in many price ranges. Here you will find a distinctive collection of Native American jewelry, including wampum jewelry crafted by Annawon Weeden, Mashpee Wampanoag, and Pequot artist Dan Simonds, head of the Wampum Wear Collective. A highlight is the jewelry and gift items from Eighth Generation, owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe in Seattle, which partners with Native artists across the country. The result is some of the most beautiful and authentic items available.

For foodies, there is a wonderful selection of traditional Native American food products from Sweet Grass Trading Company from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. And, in the spirit of the Metis culture, Pemmican Patty’s products offer a selection of bison berry-blended jerky that will connect you with Native foodways and nutrition. The gift shop also has a good selection of books and children’s items.

Although entrance to the museum and the Holiday Market are free, donations are always appreciated. A tour of the museum for a nominal fee is a fun and insightful experience that compliments this unique shopping 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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Honoring Native American Veterans on November 5 @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

Veterans’ Day is a National holiday that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Native Americans have fought valiantly in the United States military in every conflict since the American Revolution, even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

#veteran

Honoring Native warriors and veterans has always been part of indigenous culture. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication. This year, the Institute is once again inviting the public to participate in the program that will honor Native and non-Native Americans whose passion and loyalty have helped to make America what it is today on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

At this year’s event, veteran Gary Tinney, Paugussett, will lead the ceremony. New at this year’s event is the Yootay Singers Drum Group based out of Mashantucket, CT, which will perform honor songs recognizing the rich contributions of Native and Non-Native Americans who have bravely served side by side in the U.S. Armed Forces. Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe) will also join the ceremony and play Amazing Grace on his traditionally crafted flute. Attendees will be immersed in a meaningful ceremony that is a powerful experience.

The ceremony will be outside so attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain, the ceremony or portions of it will be held inside the museum. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration and donations are always appreciated. Registration is at http://iaismuseum.org. For questions please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

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 allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment

Finding Your Bearings October 15 @ Institute For American Indian Studies

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

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 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment