Get Out! Outdoor Survival Day

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

Planning to go on an outdoor adventure? Do you want your children to learn how to be prepared if they go hiking or camping? Sign them up for this Adventure Day where they will learn basic outdoor living skills, such as team building, knot tying, orienteering, and respect for fire in an outdoor setting.

Let’s Get Cooking: Culinary Day

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

Today, when we are hungry, we often go to the super market to buy food. Hundreds of years ago, this was not possible. Native Americans in the past were able to survive by using their knowledge of the natural world. Come forage with us and learn how to cook using traditional methods. Children will sample […]

Green Corn Festival

Corn is an integral part of the annual economic lifecycle of the Native American people. When the first tender ears are ripe for picking it is cause for celebration. Welcome the first corn of the season with exciting activities including drumming, dancing, children’s activities, stories, and more! We are pleased to welcome the Native Nations […]

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 […]

Summer Camp!

If your kids are restless as summer draws to a close one solution is to enroll them in a brand new week long program at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut on 38 Curtis Road that is sure to engage them. This program is perfect for kids 5-13 years old and will focus on […]

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 […]

From Earth & Sea: Founder’s Clambake

River Walk Pavilion 11a School Street, Washington Depot, CT, United States

River Walk Pavilion, 11A School Street, Washington Depot Savor local indigenous foods of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes while enjoying drumming & dance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers! After you eat, get up on your feet to join in the dancing! Reservations required by  August 31st; later reservations may be subject to an additional […]

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 […]