Bark Basket Workshop with Jennifer Lee

During traditional times in the Eastern Woodlands, bark served many purposes: it could be used to cover a wigwam, tie tools together, and float a canoe. It could even be used to make beautiful, practical baskets out of. In modern time, Native American artists and culture bearers help to keep such traditions alive. Join Jennifer […]

Artifact Identification Day

Join the conversation as Director of Research & Collections, Lucianne Lavin, Ph.D. identifies and provides interesting commentary about your local stone objects and Northeastern Native American cultural items. While we can't appraise or speculate about the value of an object, we can certainly talk about the who, what, when, where, and how of your mystery […]

Moccasin Workshop

Traditional Native American clothing varied widely from tribe to tribe, but one nearly universal element was the moccasin. The word moccasin comes from the Algonquian word meaning shoe or footwear. This sturdy slipper-shaped type of shoe was sewn from tanned animal hides. Join Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke, for a fun and informative workshop making your very […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Through a Different Lens: Native American Film Screening Series – Rumble

Minor Memorial Library 23 South Street, Roxbury, CT, United States

In partnership with the Minor Memorial Library in Roxbury, IAIS is proud to announce the first in a series of Native American film and documentary screenings that will focus on historical and contemporary topics. Many of these films either feature Native American actors, or were produced by various Native American film teams. Rumble: The Indians […]

From the Earth and the Sea: Founders’ Clambake

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

Founders' Clambake- 6:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. At this annual event we give thanks to the many visitors,volunteers, members, and supporters who have helped to make our museum a success for more than forty years! Savor local indigenous foods of lobsters, clams, corn, and potatoes while enjoying drumming and dancing by the Thunderbird American Indian […]