Sunday, September 22nd1PM - 3PM In many indigenous communities, plants are considered teachers because there is much that we can learn from them. As part of the annual Housatonic Heritage Walks program, join IAIS staff for a guided walk along our museum trails and learn about scientific and Indigenous understandings of local plant life. End […]
Sunday, October 27th1PM - 4PM In conjunction with our new temporary exhibit Earth, Water; Aired and Fired about the process of pottery creation in traditional Indigenous communities, join a hands-on pottery workshop led by the IAIS Research Department. Participants will learn about elements of traditional pottery, including clay sourcing, temper, building methods, surface treatment, decoration […]
Saturday, November 23rd1PM Indigenous peoples in South America began the process of domesticating corn, or maize, over 7,000 years ago. Over centuries of cross-pollination and cultural exchange, indigenous communities throughout the Americas helped to create hundreds of varieties of corn. Traditionally, corn was grown not just for eating, but for making everyday items and artwork, […]
Saturday, April 191PM - 3PM For generations, many Indigenous communities in the Americas have practiced a companion planting method known as the three sisters, using the combined strength of corn, beans, and squash to produce healthy gardens. Join IAIS Staff for a workshop and celebration of the renewal of life that accompanies spring after a […]
Saturday, July 191:00PM - 4:00PM Looking for a workshop that will rock your world? Join IAIS Educator and Head of Fabrication Griffin Kalin, who has a background in traditional skills and experimental archaeology, as you learn percussion and pressure flaking techniques and try your hand at turning a rock into a useful stone tool. Spend […]
Saturday, October 181PM For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have used natural fibers to make everything from shelter, to fishing equipment, to clothing. Join IAIS Educator and Ecologist Susan Scherf for an exciting and educational workshop in which participants will learn about various plant fibers. Try your hand at weaving cordage from locally sourced natural […]
Saturday, January 311PM How prepared would you be to survive New England winters without twenty-first century technology? For traditional Indigenous communities of this area, fire would have been an important tool throughout the year, but crucial for winter months. Join our outdoor skills specialist Griffin Kalin for an interactive workshop designed to teach the fundamentals […]
Sunday, February 11PM For thousands of years, Indigenous communities in North America have been weaving various fibers to make everything from shelter, to fishing equipment, to clothing, to hunting gear, and works of art and continued to do so through the integration of new materials brought through European contact. Join an educator from the Institute […]
Saturday, March 7 | 11:00 AM - 3:00PM Looking for a sweet end to the winter months? As the days get warmer, but the nights remain cold, it’s the right condition for maple sugaring! Join IAIS staff for an event celebrating the gift of Maple Sugar. Throughout the day, our staff will demonstrate various traditional […]
Saturday, March 14 | 1:00PM How prepared would you be to survive in the local environment without twenty-first century technology? For traditional Indigenous communities of this area, fire would have been an important tool throughout the year. As winter winds to a close and we look forward to the sights and sounds of spring, it’s a […]