Looking for a sweet end to the winter months? As the days get warmer but the nights are still cold, it’s just the right conditions for maple sugaring! Join IAIS Staff along with primitive technologists Jeff and Judy Kalin for an afternoon celebrating the gift of Maple Sugar. The Kalins will demonstrate the technique of […]
Spend a sociable afternoon with friends painting figurines! There are both Native American and wildlife forms just waiting to be brushed with color and looking to be placed in your collection. You will be guided by Native artist Jeanne Morningstar Kent, Abenaki, who is a retired art instructor and currently owner of Morningstar Studio. You do not […]
In our continuing Lecture Series, the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club (LHAC) welcomes avocational archaeologist and author Michael Bouchard. In his talkArchaeology: Exploring Connecticut’s Past, Mr. Bouchard will provide an interpretative review of four archaeological site reports that he authored: The Paleo Project - Paleo-Indian Migration Patterns in Connecticut, The Baldwin Station Site (Milford), The Laurel Beach Site (Milford), and […]
Join trustees, staff, and fellow members for our Annual Members’ Meeting as we formally elect our 2018 Officers and Trustees. Following the meeting, enjoy a preview of presentations being given by IAIS staff at the annual conference of the Society of American Archaeologists conference in Washington D.C. Dr. Lucianne Lavin, Director of Research and Collections, […]
Since long before Earth Day was established in 1970 to promote protection of the environment, Native Americans groups have believed that all living and non-living things had a spirit, or manitou. Because of this, Native Americans recognize that all things are equal and that humans are connected to the world around them. Join IAIS staff […]
Funds from Give Local help to support our educational efforts to promote the understanding of Native Lifeways in New England for all ages through our educational programs. Educational programming at IAIS is held both at the museum and as outreach at other educational facilities. Our education department works with school groups and visitors to ensure […]
Looking for a workshop that will rock your world? Spend a day exploring how stone tools were made, sharpening your own skills and making your very own point during a flintknapping workshop with primitive technologist and lithics expert Jeff Kalin, Cherokee descent. Learn percussion and pressure flaking techniques and turn a rock into a useful […]
Saturday, May 5, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Did you know that before the bow and arrow many Native Americans used atlatls to hunt? Such dart throwers enabled hunters to throw the dart faster and farther than by hand alone. Under the guidance of atlatl expert Gary Nolf, you will learn about its history and […]
Tracing one’s Native American heritage can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. At the same time, it can be difficult to know where to start. Jeanne Morningstar Kent, Abenaki will share her knowledge and experience in researching Native American ancestry. Based on her own studies, Jeanne will provide essential information, helpful hints, and thought-provoking questions […]
Did you know that the purple and white beads carved from quahog and whelk shells known as wampum have been used for centuries in Native communities to create social and spiritual bonds? To Native peoples, wampum was never considered money, but it was always valuable. Today, Native artists and culture bearers continue to craft […]