Join IAIS' Assistant Director/Curator in a discussion regarding the proliferation of Lover's Leap sites throughout the United States with the authors of Lover's Leap Legends: From Sappho of Lesbos to Wah Wah Tee of Waco, Leland and Crystal Payton (Lense and Pen Press, 2020). We look forward to a lively discussion, and join the conversation […]
Environmental injustice is an ongoing threat to indigenous peoples globally as their lands are stripped for mining, logging, farming, ranching and storage of spent nuclear fuels. Join Dr. Laurie Weinstein, Professor Emerita of Anthropology at Western Connecticut State University, along with museum staff for an online presentation as part of the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club […]
There is often a misconception that wampum was a form of currency for Native peoples. Rather, the Native peoples of New England traditionally considered these shell beads to be a sacred gift. In modern times, Native artists continue to use quahog shell to make intricate artwork and preserve cultural traditions. Join Allen Hazard, a renowned […]
As we recognize the final weekend of Hispanic Heritage Month, join us in welcoming Dr. Mary Ann Mahony, Professor of Latin American History at CCSU, for an online presentation on the Taínos – the indigenous people of Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. In other words, the Taínos were the people who “met Columbus,” in the […]
For thousands of years, the Native inhabitants of the Eastern Woodlands were able to make dugout canoes using natural materials found in their environment. Want to get an in depth look at how these vessels were made? Join Museum Assistant Lydia Downs, a graduate student in the Maritime Studies Program at Eastern Carolina University, for […]
November 13th, 4:00pm-6:00pm The installation explores the root causes of the MMIW epidemic. Through spreading awareness the artist promotes actionable change. According to the Urban Health Institute, 5,712 cases of MMIW were reported in 2016, of these, only 116 were logged into the Department of Justice Database. Dante Biss-Grayson, in this ongoing installation honors those […]
A Native American Winter Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6:00p.m. Virtual Lecture If you were a Native American living 500 (or 1000 or 5000) years ago, likely you would look forward to the winter season. Connecticut’s indigenous communities were outdoor peoples who not only survived but thrived under adverse weather conditions. They spent most of their lives […]
Virtual Anthropology Day Lecture with Dr. Margaret Bruchac on "Animacy and Afterlives: Material Memories in Wampum Collections." About This Event In recognition of International Anthropology Day, we welcome Dr. Margaret Bruchac (Abenaki), Associate Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, for a virtual presentation. In a […]
Saturday, June 18, 12:00pm - 4:00pm In Person Event When wild strawberries ripen, they represent life and good health. They also herald the ripening of fresh fruits and the arrival of summer. Visitors of all ages will enjoy games and crafts, as well as traditional Native American stories with Education Director Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke), while […]
Tuesday, July 26, 7:00pm Virtual Event Dr. Allan Downey (Dakelh Nation) is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Indigenous Studies Program at McMaster University. Among his numerous publications, Dr. Downey is the author of an award-winning 2018 book entitled The Creator’s Game: Lacrosse, Identity, and Indigenous Nationhood, which focuses on the history […]
