Upcoming...
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Scout Day
Saturday, November 19 10:30pm - 1:00pm
Calling all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies! Join fellow scouts for an exciting morning learning about traditional Northeast Native Americans, their tools, shelters and hunting techniques. You’ll also enjoy Native American stories, play traditional games and make your own talking stick! Space is limited and registration is required. Please call to reserve your spot by November 13th.
Fee: $13 Scouts; $5 Adults (regular museum admission)
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Artifact Identification Day
Sunday, November 20 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Discover the history behind your collections! Visitors, members and friends are invited to bring their local stone artifacts and Native American cultural items for identification by renowned archaeologist and Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin, a specialist in Eastern Woodland material culture. Limit 12 items per person please.
Fee: Included in regular museum admission
$5 Adults; $4.50 Seniors; $3 Children; IAIS Members Free
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October through December 2011
October | November | December
NEW EXHIBITS
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Native American All-Stars
American Indians have always been an integral part of the culture and history of the United States and continue to be contributing members of modern society. This exhibit highlights some of today’s American Indian heroes ranging from professional athletes to U.S. Senators, actors to musicians, and writers to astronauts. On display through January 2012.
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American Indians In The Civil War
There are many unsung heroes of the American Civil War, most notably those representing the country’s First Nations. From the beginning of the war in 1861 to its end in 1865, 28,693 American Indians chose to serve within the armed forces of both the South’s Confederacy and the North’s Union. In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, this exhibit pays tribute to American Indians who fought with valor and pride for their country. On display November 2011 through December 2011.
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The Cotton Hill Soapstone Quarry
During the Terminal Archaic cultural period and perhaps into the Early Woodland period, the indigenous peoples of what is now the Eastern United States used steatite objects in their domestic and ritualistic activities. Steatite is a form of talc, commonly called “soapstone” because of its slippery, greasy feel. Located along the eastern flank of the Appalachian mountains, the talc belt was exploited by Native American communities as far north as present-day Massachusetts and southward to present-day Alabama and Georgia.
In Connecticut, from about 3,550 to 2,500 years ago, a number of outcroppings were used as quarry sites for the manufacture of soapstone bowls, pipes, jewelry, atlatl weights and other tools. Steatite is soft, easy to carve, does not burn and retains heat. Soapstone bowl manufacture was a technological advance because it allowed for the direct placement of vessels onto the fire to cook foods for longer periods of time.
Learn more about the geology and interesting attributes of this unique rock, discover how indigenous peoples quarried it and view artifacts from a 3,000 year old quarry site in Litchfield.
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OCTOBER
Top of Page | November | December
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Artist Corner: STRONG EAGLE DALY
This October, IAIS will be featuring the flutes of Strong Eagle Daly of the Nipmuc nation. Each masterfully crafted flute has a hand carved animal on it. “…[T]he spirit of the tree resonates through the flute as I breathe new life through it and give it a new voice.”
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Book Signing
Images of America Series: ROXBURY & BRIDGEWATER
Sunday, October 2 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Did you know the town of Bridgewater was originally known as Shepaug Neck and Roxbury was first named Shepaug Plantation? The word Shepaug is an Algonkian word meaning “great pond*” referring to the river that runs through both towns. The newest addition to the popular Images of America series is Roxbury and Bridgewater from local authors Jeannine Green and Eileen M. Buchheit. The histories of Roxbury and Bridgewater from settlement to ecclesiastical society to incorporated town are supplemented with over 200 vintage images and memories of days gone. Books will be available for purchase. *from Indian Place Names of New England by John C. Huden
Fee: Included in regular museum admission
$5 Adults; $4.50 Seniors; $3 Children; IAIS Members Free
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Preparing The Body, Mind & Spirit For Cold & Flu Season
Saturday, October 15 10:30am - 12:30pm
Join Dawyn Cloud-Alter, Family Herbalist and Therapist for a presentation on herbal remedies for the cold and flu season. Topics will include prevention using herbs and herbs to assist the immune system, arthritis and specific systems and organs of the body. She will discuss the importance of specific vitamins for stress reduction and Seasonal Affective Disorder (episodes of depression that affect many individuals every year during the fall and winter seasons). Wear comfortable clothing for relaxation and stress reduction exercise. CT Educators may earn 0.2 CEUs.
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Fee: $15; $12 IAIS Members |
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Friction To Fire
Saturday, October 22 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Have you ever wanted to create a fire using only what nature provides the way the Native Peoples did for generations? Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier of Three Red Trees School of Natural Living will guide you through the process of learning how to make fire by friction using the bow and drill method. You will leave with your own set of the key components necessary for further practice toward mastery. Other ancient methods will be demonstrated and will be available for you to try for yourself.
This is a physical skill; kneeling, bending and safe use of a knife are required. CT Educators may earn 0.3 CEUs. Space is limited, please call for reservations.
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Fee: $25; $20 IAIS Members) |
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6th Annual Native American Archaeology Roundtable
BAUBLES, BANGLES, BRIGHT SHINY BEADS: Wampum In Native American Societies
Sunday, October 23 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Please join us for another rousing Native American-Archaeology Round Table with interesting presentations and panel The scheduled speakers are: Dr. Marshall Becker (University of Pennsylvania, Anthropology) Wampum: An Update on Chronology and Uses; Dr. Ralph Solecki (Columbia University, Anthropology) The Position of Two Indian Forts on Long Island and their Relationship in the mid-17th Century Wampum Trade; Trudie Richmond (Schaghticoke) Wampum and Wampum Belts: Weaving the Truth in the Absence of the Sacred; Allen Hazard (Narragansett) Wampum was NOT Indian money; with moderator Dr. Lucianne Lavin (Director of Research & Collections at IAIS).
Presentations will be followed by a lively panel discussion. Other scheduled panelists include Faith Davison (Mohegan), Richard Manack (New Netherland Nauticals), and Dr. Kevin McBride (Mashantucket Museum and Research Center).
Fee: Free
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NOVEMBER
Top of Page | October | December
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LHAC Field Trip To The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
Saturday, November 12 11:00am
The museum is a “state-of-the-art, tribally owned-and-operated complex, that brings to life the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and serves as a major resource on the history of the Tribe, the histories and cultures of other tribes and the region's natural history.
Utilizing the latest in exhibit design and technology and based on years of discussion with Tribal members and scholarly research, the institution presents multi-sensory dioramas and exhibits of Eastern Woodland and Mashantucket Pequot life. Films and videos, interactive programs, archival materials, ethnographic and archaeological collections, and commissioned works of art and traditional crafts by Native artisans are featured in the exhibits”. We will carpool to the museum leaving IAIS promptly at 11:00am.
Registration and prepayment required by November 7th to secure a group rate of $13 per person (minimum of 10 people...if fewer than 10 people register, the fee will be $15 Adults; $13 Seniors 55+; $10 Children 6-15)
Non-LHAC members must pay a $5.00 fee if they intend to use the Club car pool services.
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Veterans Day Celebration
Sunday, November 13 12:00pm
Each year IAIS honors a local Native American who has served in the United States Military. Throughout history Native Americans have served their country with the highest record of service per capita when compared to any other ethnic group. Join us in honoring Joseph J. Velky (Schaghticoke) and his son, John A. Velky (Schaghticoke), while also remembering all veterans, Native and non-native, who have served our country with courage and pride. Following a traditional ceremony in our outdoor village we invite participants and visitors for a light lunch.
Fee: Free (donations welcome)
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Scout Day
Saturday, November 19 10:30pm - 1:00pm
Calling all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies! Join fellow scouts for an exciting morning learning about traditional Northeast Native Americans, their tools, shelters and hunting techniques. You’ll also enjoy Native American stories, play traditional games and make your own talking stick! Space is limited and registration is required. Please call to reserve your spot by November 13th.
Fee: $13 Scouts; $5 Adults (regular museum admission)
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Artifact Identification Day
Sunday, November 20 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Discover the history behind your collections! Visitors, members and friends are invited to bring their local stone artifacts and Native American cultural items for identification by renowned archaeologist and Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin, a specialist in Eastern Woodland material culture. Limit 12 items per person please.
Fee: Included in regular museum admission
$5 Adults; $4.50 Seniors; $3 Children; IAIS Members Free
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Storytelling Celebration
Sunday, November 27 1:30pm
IAIS is proud to welcome back Leslie Elias...storyteller, actress and director of Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children's Theater. She will present Trickster Coyote: How Coyote Brought Fire to the People of the Plains, a participatory performance and drama workshop involving children and parents. Playing the Native American flute and drum, Leslie will bring the story to life by inviting the audience to join her in acting out this magical tale. Children will learn Native American songs, dances and play dramatic roles in the performance, wearing masks and costumes provided by Grumbling Gryphons. Please call for reservations.
Fee: $10 Adults; $6 Children
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DECEMBER
Top of Page | October | November
Holiday Shoppers Treat
Come see our new line of herbal products, Nuwati Herbal
Don’t forget to take advantage of our ANNUAL DECEMBER SALE in the museum gift shop!
Stop in during the month of December and receive 10% off (IAIS Members receive 20% off) all purchases over $5 (excludes children’s items, candy and consignment items).
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Kids Create While You Shop!
Saturday, December 3 1:00pm - 2:00pm
With our Gift Shop holiday sale for the entire month of December as well as the opening weekend of our Winter Indian Arts & Craft Market, the time is perfect for a trip to IAIS. Get your holiday shopping done while your children enjoy a special craft. Join IAIS Educator and artist, Matthew Barr and make your own corn husk holiday angel. Many Native Americans have adopted Christianity and celebrate Christmas while still maintaining their time-honored traditions. This craft combines traditional Native American corn husk dolls with a holiday twist. Please call for reservations.
Fee: $4
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LHAC Lecture Series Presents
PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY SITES IN THE FARMINGTON RIVER VALLEY
Sunday, December 4 3:00pm
Connecticut archaeologist Dr. Marc Banks will provide an overview of Native American archaeology in the Farmington Valley, punctuated by slides of the many interesting and exotic stone tools and pottery recovered from those sites.
Fee: $5 General Public; Free LHAC Members
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Winter Indian Arts & Crafts Market
Saturdays & Sundays only, December 3 through December 18 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Once again we are hosting local Native American crafters, jewelers and artists for weekends only beginning December 3rd and continuing through December 18th at our Annual Indian Market. Take advantage of this time to meet and buy directly from the artists while learning about contemporary Native American art and cultures. Stop by between the hours of 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm to purchase gourds, art, pottery, jewelry, rattles, artwork, flutes and more!
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