Tag: Litchfield Hills CT

Washington’s Institute for American Indian Studies Holding Green Corn Festival Brings Visitors and Indigenous People Together August 13

The Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding its 18th annual Green Corn Festival on Sunday, August 13th from Noon to 4:00 pm at River Walk Pavilion, 11a School Street, in Washington, CT. This festival gives visitors a glimpse into Native American life and traditions.

Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people that have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration for centuries. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, join IAIS Museum Staff as they welcome the first corn of the summer 2023 season with flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), drumming, children’s activities curated by the Institute’s staff like making corn husk dolls to take home, and traditional stories told by a professional Native American Storyteller.

For shoppers and collectors, don’t miss the vendors that are selling Native American-inspired arts and crafts at a variety of price points. All the festivities are taking place in a beautiful park with a sheltered wooden pavilion, picnic tables, and plenty of free parking.

If you have always wondered what Indigenous food tastes like, you will be able to try some authentic Native American cuisine and more at the Green Corn Festival. Jason Cogswell Lamb, Schaghticoke, of Mashquanon’s Wetu will be cooking up some of his favorite contemporary and traditional indigenous cuisine sure to delight the palette. GV Bites Food Truck will be whipping up Colombian fusion food, and Polar Sweets Ice Cream will be serving more than 40 flavors of ice cream that will help beat the heat!

The annual highlight of the Green Corn Festival is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Each dance performed has an uplifting and unique story or purpose. Some use movements that imitate animals and others represent an aspect of cultural significance. These traditional dances are sure to delight because they evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People. The Quahog Bay Drum Group led by Devin Wixon from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation will accompany the dances. The dancing will take place at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m.

Admission for this event held rain or shine, is $15 for Adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children, $10 for IAIS Members, and free for members’ children. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated, click here to register https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13017.

About Green Corn
The expression “Green Corn” refers to the first ripened sweet corn that you can eat. The Green Corn Ceremony is marked with dancing, feasting, fasting, and religious observations. In the Eastern Woodland areas, Native people depended on three staples – corn, beans, and squash. These food items were so important that they were called “The Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters were mixed together to make a vegetable dish called succotash that is still popular today.

About 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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New Exhibit @ Institute for American Indian Studies on Native American Identity

The Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has just announced a new temporary traveling exhibit, “Native American Identity Stolen, Sold, and Reclaimed.” This exhibition invites guests of the museum to reflect on the stories that every one of us carries, consciously or not about Native American People. It is an enlightening and thoughtful journey through Native American stereotypes and more. This exhibit will be up through August. The Insitute is participating in the Summer at the Museum Program where one child from Connecticut 18 and under accompanied by an adult gets in free through September 4.


“Native American Identity Stolen, Sold, and Reclaimed,” traces the story of 500 years of Western perceptions that have been placed on Indigenous peoples of North America through family myths and popular culture that have been woven into a mythology depriving Native American People of their cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.

Walking through this exhibit, visitors will see an interesting array of displays that explore misguided representations of Native American People in film, news, print media, literature, art, and commercial products. These displays highlight that Native Americans have a very limited scope of representation. They are most often represented either as historical figures belonging to the past or as stereotypical cliches, such as the Indian Princess, the Savage Indian, or the Noble Savage. Displays highlight tropes in advertising, films, T.V. shows, video games, and more that embrace these stereotypical generalizations, and in doing so, validate them in the way people view Indigenous people.

The final set of displays showcases an alternative narrative through a series of short bios on Native Americans from just about every walk of life and from many different time periods. Their stories and self-expression seek to help visitors break the cycle of misrepresentation in a positive and uplifting manner. As, Dr. Janine Pease concludes in one of the displays, “What’s been lost over many generations, it will take perhaps that many generations to restore…the challenge is to realize the power we do have. It’s not going to take some outside power. It’s power within that will really make the difference.”



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 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 located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT

JanetLeave a comment

Litchfield Road Race Sunday, June 11

Road Race Weekend is here! Always held the second weekend in June, the 46th Litchfield Hills Road Race begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, with the awards ceremony taking place on the Green at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Road Race Weekend is also jam-packed with lots of other events and activities that will delight non-runners, including Connecticut Open House Day, when several Litchfield attractions/destinations are doing something special.

Pro Tip: As you plan your agenda, pick up a free road race program book at lots of venues in town, including Ace of Litchfield, the Litchfield Post Office, Litchfield Hills Fitness, and the restaurants on the Green. It has details on children’s races, a race map, parking info, and more. Also, be sure to follow @litchfieldhillsroadrace on Instagram and watch the www.lhrr.com website for up-to-date details.

What’s Happening and When

Road Race Weekend festivities kick into high gear on Saturday, and the Connecticut Open House Day events also taking place in town will bring added appeal and energy.
There will be not one but two art shows on the Green, including the Litchfield Makers Market on the north side of the Green from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Grill Days event at Ace of Litchfield takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with grilling demos, food samples, a free grill giveaway, and more.

The Block Party in Litchfield Center, featuring The Tradesmen playing Rock, Blues, Country, and classics, is 7 to 10 p.m. It’s sponsored by the Town of Litchfield CT Parks and Rec department.

Sunday: It’s Race Day

Best Places to Watch the Race:
The start/finish line on West Street next to the Green is a prime spot for spectators. There you can also catch the various children’s races that start at noon and continue through about 1:16 pm. Other prime spots include alongside St. Anthony Cemetery on Whites Woods Road; the stretch has been dubbed “microwave mile” and runners pass by twice. The corner of Constitution & Whites Woods Road adjacent to the cemetery is another great spot and there will even be a band playing there. Gallows Lane, the grueling hill and big test for runners near the end of the course, is also a great spot. (Here’s a list of other bands and their locations.)

Where to Park:

Page 31 of the road race program has a map showing these recommended parking locations: Center School, Community Field, the Congregational Church, Litchfield Fire Department, St. Anthony’s Church, the Town Garage, Litchfield Town Hall, and lot behind Union Savings Bank. There is also parking in the municipal lot behind the West Street shops and restaurants, but given that road will be closed, it works for those who plan to arrive early, by 10:30, and linger after the race, leaving around 3:30 or later.

When to Arrive:

Roads in Litchfield center and elsewhere affected by the route of the race close at 11 a.m., so plan to arrive and park by around 10:45.

After the Race:

Restaurants and shops in Litchfield Center are typically open on race day, and some even have special menus. So come early for coffee and breakfast, and stay after the race to shop, stroll, and dine.

JanetLeave a comment

An Ecology Walk Along the Shepaug River With the Institute for American Indian Studies

A summer walk along the Shepaug River that runs through Washington is a rewarding experience, especially when guided by IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m. The cost of this program hosted by the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children, and $5 for members. This hike is perfect for nature lovers and will have them looking at the natural world in a new and exciting way.

Fun on the Shepaug

The Shepaug River whose Native American name means “rocky waters” has a long history of habitation. Native Americans have lived overlooking this river for thousands of years. Many stone tools and items such as bone needles and punches, wooden spear shafts, tool handles, and much more have been found in archeological excavations along the banks of the Shepaug.

Rivers are considered the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. On this guided walk participants will learn that Native peoples traditionally recognized that all beings are interconnected. An important life lesson of this walk is to realize that we can learn about our environment by observing wildlife, plants, trees, and flowers. Summer is one of the best times to observe wildlife along the Shepaug from watching a great blue heron hunt to listening to frogs croaking, and feeling the exoskeleton of a crayfish. Walking along this babbling river Susan will discuss animal adaptations and explain what to look and listen for when trying to identify different species in the Eastern Woodland environment.

Participants should wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes, and be prepared to walk about a mile along the river with frequent stops along the way. Participants are encouraged to bring water and extra shoes or sandals to change into down by the river. Space on this hike is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve your space visit http://www.iaismuseum.org to reserve a space through Eventbrite. If you have questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

JanetLeave a comment

Lacrosse – More Than Just A Game New Exhibition @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Lacrosse was originally played by eastern Native Americans and Canada’s First People. The Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has just opened a fascinating special exhibition, “More Than a Game: The Story of Lacrosse,” that will be on view at the Institute through August 2022.

This well-researched exhibition touches on a variety of subjects, many of which are unexpected in light of the game many of us know today. Some of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition relate to the spiritual importance of lacrosse and how it connects to creation stories, the way they settle differences, and its continued social and communal significance.

This exhibition also explores the appropriation of lacrosse by Euro-Americans and Canadians. In the 1860’s Dr. George Beers of Canada wrote the first standardized rulebook for lacrosse in an attempt to “civilize” the game. By the 1890s, Native American communities were banned from participating in national competitions. This part of the exhibition includes documentation in the form of newspaper clippings and images that depict the history of lacrosse in popular culture and how it was interpreted.

More Than a Game also highlights how traditional lacrosse sticks evolved in North America. Several lacrosse sticks on display showcase the three major styles of Native American lacrosse and demonstrate the different regional interpretations of the game.

This exhibit touches on the relationship between lacrosse and Native communities today. It delves into the saga of the Iroquois Nationals, the only Native American athletic team
permitted to compete in international competitions. Don’t miss the exhibition’s video that shows Native Americans making wooden sticks in the traditional way and relating why it is important to the future of their culture. This exhibit can be summed up by a quote by Rex Lyons, Onondaga, “Lacrosse is part of the story of our creation, of our identity, of who we are. So when we play the game, we always say that there’s a simultaneous game going on in the Sky World and our ancestors are playing with us.”

The Institute for American Indian Studies is open Wednesday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children 3-12, $10 for seniors, and members are free.

About 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.

JanetLeave a comment

Institute for American Indian Studies Modified Summer Camp June 26-August 7, 2020

We all know that this summer will be different. We also know that it is important for children to get out of the house and be engaged socially, mentally, and safely. With that in mind, the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut announced that they are opening a modified summer camp program of weekly themed outdoor fun and education that follows strict state guidelines. The Summer Camp is available one week at a time, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., from June 26 through August 7. The programs are geared for children ages 6-13. “We decided to offer our camp programs because we feel it can be a gateway back to normalcy for children. We expect these experiences will help our young campers face new challenges with resilience,” Chris Combs, Executive Director said.

There are so many benefits to sending children to summer camp, especially this summer. It gives children the chance to develop confidence and get unplugged; it allows them to make new friends, experience the great outdoors, and to explore new interests while learning at the same time. “This year, parents can definitely expect to see safety as the first and foremost focus at our camp, Chris Combs, Executive Director said. “ For all of our staff, the health and safety of our campers is paramount. All camp activities will be held outdoors and there will be regular sanitizing, social distancing, and smaller group activities as well as staggered arrivals and pick-ups, all in accordance with guidance issued by various state and federal agencies,” Combs continued. For more information, registration and protocols click here

Camp Director Gabriel Benjamin and Assistant Camp Director Susan Scherf have developed a range of exciting activities and projects that follow current health guidelines. Each week, campers will join experienced educators on a journey through one of several themes that relate to the museum’s core mission, such as ecology, archaeology, and traditional skills. While hiking in the woods, playing games, and creating crafts, campers will practice survival skills, teamwork, and problem-solvinghttp://www.iaismuseum.org as they develop confidence while experiencing the great outdoors, and making new friends. Besides the memories that will last a lifetime, campers will learn valuable skills and connect with a culture that has more than 10,000 years of history in this area.

Summer Camp Themes
Weekly camps will have different experiences. On June 29- July 3 the theme is “Wonderful Wildlife” and will include exploring the forests and rivers of the Eastern Woodlands. The camp running from July 6- July 10 will focus on the gifts of the natural world and how Native Americans used their understanding of the natural world to thrive for thousands of years right here in Connecticut.

On July 13 to July 17, children will learn outdoor survival skills similar to those used for centuries by Native Americans. And, if your children love science and technology sign them up for the week of July 20-24 to learn how people of the past figured out creative ways to move around, construct shelter, find food, and make tools.”

For budding archeologists and kids that are intrigued by puzzles, don’t miss the July 27 – July 31 camp where they will learn how to dig and discover.

The last camp of our 2020 summer season, from August 3-7 is for kids that like a challenge – and don’t they all! If your kids want to be amazed, sign them up, and challenge them to put their skills to test! They will come away enriched and confident.

For complete registration information, visit http://www.iaismuseum.org.

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.

JanetLeave a comment