Friday, June 12, 2015

June Fun Native American Style in Litchfield Hills

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in the lovely town of Washington Connecticut located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills is offering a series of programs perfect for families to enjoy this June.  On June 13 for example from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Institute is participating in the Connecticut Open House Day and admission if free to the museum all day long in order to celebrate Connecticut's rich cultural and historical heritage.

On Sunday, June 14, Darlene Kascak, will run a Moccasin Making Workshop called Native Soles from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The word moccasin comes from the Algonquian word meaning shoe or footwear. These sturdy slipper-shaped types of shoes were sewn from tanned animal hides. Come join Darlene Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe, and make a con- temporary sandal moccasin that is both beautiful and functional as well. Participants will earn how to make a pattern for this modern style sandal using the same techniques that were used by moccasin makers for hundreds of years. Registration required.

Food for Thought, a living history event is scheduled for June 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Foods were the center of many Native American celebrations and ceremonies The forests and rivers of New England provided a great variety of animals, fish, trees and plants. Tribes hunted, gathered, fished and engaged in horticulture. Today, Native Peoples retain that rich culture of traditional cuisine, some of which have become iconic of present-day Native American social gatherings Stop by between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn the various cook- ing techniques and sample traditionally dishes prepared onsite in our outdoor replicated village. This event is free of charge with museum entrance.

If you have discovered something during your spring cleaning, stop by the Institute on June 28 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for Artifact Identification Day. Bring your local stone artifacts or American Indian cultural items to IAIS for iden- tification by IAIS Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin, a specialist in Eastern Woodland material culture. Limit 12 items per person please. This event is free with museum admission. 
For area information www.litchfieldhills.com For more information about the Institute for American Indian Studies visit http://iaismuseum.org

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