Tag: Veterans Day events

Honoring Native American Veterans November 3 @Institute for American Indian Studies

Many people may be unaware of the major contributions Native Americans have made to our armed forces. They 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.

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 and ceremony. 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 3 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

This year the Institute is honoring three people that collectively represent three branches of the military: Army, Coast Guard, and Navy. The honorees are, Valerie Gambrell (US Army, Eastern Pequot), Sargeant, Reginald Mitchell (US Coast Guard, Golden Hill Paugussett), and Petty Officer 2nd Class
Alicia King (US Navy, Golden Hill Paugussett).

Culturally, Native Americans have always celebrated their warriors. This year the Institute is honoring several local Native Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Crow Hill Singers Drum Group led by Aaron Athey (Mohegan) from Uncasville will perform traditional songs to honor the contributions made by Native American Veterans and all Veterans. A new highlight is that Tails of Joy will have a canine ambassador as part of the proceedings. Tails of Joy is a non-profit dedicated to providing animal-assisted therapy. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments in the museum.

Although this planned event will take place outdoors, if the weather is, inclement it may move indoors. Advance registration is appreciated for this free event. Click here for tickets
https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/20669

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.

About Veterans Day
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for the annual observance and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation and a remembrance ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces.

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Fairfield Museum Opens with Election Day Programs & More

Fairfield Museum and History Center escaped Sandy’s wrath and, aside from power loss, which was restored yesterday, November 5th, the Museum re-open today for two special Election Day programs and we are excited about our upcoming programs, which are listed below along with a full range of other exciting, upcoming programs.

On November 6 there are two Election Day programs. The first, Election Day 1864 is from 1:30pm – 3pm. This program is Free with admission. Participants are invited to draw a political cartoon, write and deliver a speech and try out a Scavenger Hunt in the galleries. Also from 1:30 – 3 pm is a History Day Workshop that is free for teachers, parents and students in grades 6 and up. History Day encourages students to build valuable inquiry and research skills, developing fascinating research projects that are entered into a series of regional and national competitions.

On November 8 at 7 pm there is a lecture titled Men of Color! To Arms! The call to arms from impassioned abolitionist Frederick Douglass echoed the overwhelming sentiments of nearly 190,000 men of color that joined the Union cause for the promise of freedom. Learn more with David Koch, Housatonic Community College and David Naumec, Mashantucket Pequot Museum / Manchester Community College. Suggested Donation: $5, Members; $7, non-members.


On Sunday, November 11 there will be a lecture titled Living History: The Civil War Doctor’s Wife at 2 pm that is co-sponsored with the daughters of the American Revolution.. The lecture will focus on the story of Dr. George Bronson, who marched off to war with the 11th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment and his wife, Mary Ann, comes to life. Mary Lou Pavlik assumes the role of her ancestor and shares observations of the War from a Northern lady’s point of view and relates her husband’s harrowing experiences through original letters. Suggested Donation: $5, Members; $8 non-members.

On Veterans Day, Monday, November 12 there is a workshop for kids and a family scavenger hunt. Hardtack & Haversacks takes place from 10am – 12pm. Kids 9 and up will learn about the hardships of a soldier’s life in the 1860s. Kids will make their own hardtack and put together a haversack for storing the important items no soldier would be without. $10 Members, $15 non-members. Please pre-register. At 1 pm there is a Family Scavenger Hunt that is free for teachers, parents and students in grades 6 and up. Participants will learn about the stories of Fairfield’s soldiers and more on a special, family-friendly Scavenger Hunt for Veteran’s Day.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center is located on 370 Beach Rd. in Fairfield. For more information contact 203-259-1598 or visit www.fairfieldhistory.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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