July through September 2009 July | August | September NEW EXHIBITS Native American Patriots on exhibit July through August 2009 Like their forefathers who steadfastly defended tribal hunting grounds, modern Native Americans still defend their homelands, the United States of America. It is well recognized that, historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups with nearly 190,000 Native American military veterans. This exhibit honors and celebrate Native Americans who have fought with honor. CLUBS Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club The LHAC will be meeting every Sunday throughout the summer from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at this years Archaeological Dig Site. To join please call Dr. Lucianne Lavin at (860) 868-0518. Observe the Living Traditions of Indian New England: Village Interpreter Program Saturdays and Sundays from June 27 through August 30   12:00pm - 4:00pm For the fifth consecutive year, IAIS will present its Village Interpreter Program. Members from a variety of Eastern Woodland Tribes staff our outdoor village and offer visitors a better understanding of the history, culture and social values of the Algonkian and Iroquois Peoples. The Native interpreters of Abenaki, Mi’Kmaq, Shinnecock, Mohawk and Cree descent will demonstrate traditional activities and lifeways skills as well as be available to answer questions concerning history, culture and contemporary Native American issues. Funded by: The Leever Foundation of Waterbury JULY Top of Page | August | September Flintknapping Workshop Saturday, July 11   11:00am - 4:00pm Learn how stone tools were made, sharpen your own skills or make your very first stone arrow point during a flintknapping workshop with primitive technologist and lithics expert Jeff Kalin, Cherokee descent. Percussion and pressure flaking techniques will be taught utilizing traditional practices. CT Educators may earn 0.5 CEUs Fee: $50 + $10 materials fee; $40 + $10 materials fee IAIS members Locally Grown History: American Indians and the Revolutionary War Saturday, July 18    1:00pm Native American and Black slaves fought alongside Caucasian soldiers in a war they barely understood but knew might offer them a chance at freedom. David R. Wagner, artist, historian and writer, will discuss their story of courage, sacrifice, and pride, that is often overlooked as the glories of the American Revolution are remembered. Fee: regular museum admission $5 Adults; $4.50 Seniors; $3.00 Children; IAIS Members Free August Top of Page | July | September Green Corn Festival Saturday, August 8   11:00am - 3:00pm Come celebrate with IAIS staff and friends for our Fourth Annual Green Corn Festival! Join Dale Carson, Abenaki and nationally known Native American chef, for the celebration of the first corn, and watch her prepare traditional corn dishes on the open fire. The Native Nation's Dance Troop and the Iron River Singers drum Group will entertain visitors with traditional Eastern Woodland dances, drumming, and singing at 12:00pm and again at 2:00pm. Janis Us, storyteller of Mohawk-Shinnecock descent, will once again engage visitors of all ages with time honored Native American folktales that entertain while teaching Native philosophy on a variety of subjects. Local Native American artisans will be selling arts and crafts; IAIS staff will be preparing foods for sale and there will be scheduled traditional Native American activities for children of all ages. Fee: $10 adults; $6 children Root Diggin’ Herbalism: Roots and Harvesting Saturday, August 15   1:00pm Late summer and early autumn is just the right time of year to talk about Root Medicine!  Join local herbalist and flower essence practitioner Lupo Passero and learn about the various medicinal roots that grow throughout the Northeast and within the healing garden at IAIS.  Many familiar plants such as dandelion and echinacea's medicinal virtues are found within the root of the plant.  Lupo will teach about the proper use of root medicine and how to harvest and prepare wild roots for home use in teas, tinctures as well as food. CT Educators may earn 0.1 CEUs Fee: $15; $12 IAIS members Make Your Own Arrows Saturday, August 29   11:00am - 4:00pm At first glance a stone tipped arrow may appear simple, but this couldn't be farther from the truth!  Create your own beautiful and functional arrows from local materials under the guidance of craftsman and experimental archaeologist Kevin Brenner. Using traditional techniques and tools you will learn the science and the art that goes into making traditional Eastern Woodland Arrows (stone arrowheads will be provided). Space is limited to 12 participants, reservations are required. CT Educators may earn 0.5 CEUs Fee: $40 + $10 materials fee; $35 + $10 materials fee IAIS members September Top of Page | July | August Artifact Identification Day Sunday, Septemner 13   1:00pm - 4:00pm Still wondering what that unique stone is or want to know more about the Native American basket that has been hanging on your wall all these years? IAIS Director of Research & Collections Dr. Lucianne Lavin will be available to identify artifacts and cultural items from your collections. With over 30+ years experience in the field of Eastern Woodland archaeology, Dr. Lavin will lend her expertise. A limit of 12 items per visitor please. Fee: included in regular museum admission Two Day Eastern Bow Workshop Saturday, September 19   11:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday, September 20    12:00pm - 4:00pm Nothing is more iconic or essential to the woodland hunter than a trustworthy and powerful bow.  It has been said that crafting a bow is a true labor of love, and each one is as unique as the person who makes it. Spend two days with craftsman & experimental archaeologist Kevin Brenner as you chop, carve, and whittle your very own bow from locally harvested Hickory. Using traditional techniques and historically accurate patterns you will learn how to "find" the bow in the wood, properly balance a newly crafted bow, and make usable string from natural materials.  Limited to 10 participants; please call to register. Children ages 15 years and older are welcome. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. CT Educators may earn 0.5 CEUs Fee: $100 + $20 materials fee; $80 + $20 materials fee IAIS members Heritage Walk Sunday, September 20   1:00pm - 2:00pm Join Dr. Lucianne Lavin, Director of Research & Collections for a walk along the museum’s nature trails, ending at the replicated 16th century Algonkian Indian Village. Along the way Dr. Lavin will discuss the history and culture of the local Pootatuck tribal peoples including their community life, spirituality, and medicinal uses of the indigenous flora. This is a free event in conjunction with the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Organization’s Heritage Walks Weekend 4th Annual Native American Archaeology Round Table Historic Indian Communities: What Local Town Histories Never Told Us Sunday, September 27   Call for times Please join us in another rousing Native American-Archaeologist Round Table on an important theme that is particularly relevant in today’s political and historical climates. Many town and state histories deny the existence of local Indian communities, or speak of the “last” Indian in the area. In contrast, indigenous histories and recent anthropological and archaeological studies demonstrate the presence of thriving American Indian reservation and non-reservation communities in 17th-21st century Connecticut despite shrinking homeland bases, crippled traditional economies, racism, and ethnic and class discrimination. Come hear local Native American leaders and archaeologists discuss the evidence. The general public and audience participation is always welcome! Call for details