Honeybee Demonstration

Bees are an integral part of our ecosystem today. Join Al Avitabile, Professor Emeritus of Biology at UCONN and renowned expert for an engaging presentation on the nature of honeybees. Learn about the behavior of social bee hives as Avitabile demonstrates the behavior of a live honeybee swarm. Bring along your curiosity and questions. This […]

Digging and Dugout Canoe Rides at Lake Waramaug

For thousands of years, the Native inhabitants of the Eastern Woodlands were able to make dugout canoes using natural materials found in their environment. Travel back in time with IAIS staff at Warren Town Beach on Lake Waramaug. Learn about the traditional techniques required to make a dugout canoe as you dip your paddles into […]

Building a Community: Village Construction in the Late Woodland Period

Have you heard the news? Over the summer we are rebuilding our replicated Algonkian village using traditional tools and techniques common to the region hundreds of years ago. Many of our members and visitors are curious about how this is done.  Griffin Kalin, IAIS educator, will be in the village to answer your questions and […]

The Wonders of Woodland Wildlife

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Many of the animals all around us have been important to the Native inhabitants of the Eastern Woodlands for thousands of years. Have you ever wondered which animals were native to this region, how to identify them, how Native Americans traditionally interacted with them, and about their continued importance to this day? If so, join […]

Step Back in Time: Native American Heritage Walk

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Join Lucianne Lavin, Ph.D., Director of Research and Collections, as she leads a walk along the IAIS museum’s trails and ends at our replicated 16th century Algonkian village. Glimpse into the history and culture of the local Pootatuck tribal peoples, learn about their medicinal plants, and hear of their community life and spirituality. Please wear […]

Full Moon Walk: Beaver Moon

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Join IAIS Staff as we take a walk along our museum’s trails and discuss nighttime phenomena that people in the Eastern Woodlands have been experiencing for thousands of years. End at our replicated Algonkian village for some hot cider around the camp fire. Price: Non-Members $5; IAIS Members Free. Please note that this event is […]

Winter Games, Stories and Crafts

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Learn stories, play games and create crafts! IAIS will feature Traditional Native American Storytelling, as well as games and crafts. Play games such as snow snake, snow boat, hoop and pole, keeper of the fire, or eagle eye. Create things you can take home, such as corn husk dolls, buzzers or beading. Included in the […]

Winter Games, Stories, and Crafts

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Learn stories, play games and create crafts! IAIS will feature Traditional Native American Storytelling, as well as games and crafts. Play games such as snow snake, snow boat, hoop and pole, keeper of the fire, or eagle eye. Create things you can take home, such as corn husk dolls, buzzers or beading. Included in the […]

Birding in a Winter Wonderland

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Some of our feathered friends migrate south for the winter, while others thrive in a snowy environment. Join IAIS Educator Susan Scherf, an expert in ecology, former bird bander on Nantucket, and wildlife rehabilitator at Frost Valley YMCA, for a lively presentation on bird adaptations, nesting migration, and much more! Susan will bring along bird […]

Winter Survival in the Eastern Woodlands

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Would you have what it takes to thrive during the New England winters without twenty-first century technology? Perhaps you’ve wondered how Native Americans were able start a fire in the snow, find food, or make shelter. Join IAIS Museum Educator Griffin Kalin for a fun and informative program appropriate for all ages. Dress warmly, as […]