Earth Day @ the Institute of Native American Studies

Long before Earth Day was established in 1970, Native Americans celebrated the earth in many ways because every day is Earth Day to them.  Many native groups believe that all living and non-living things have a spirit or manitou, from the largest mountain to the smallest animal or most fragrant flower. Native Americans recognize that all things are equal and that humans are just one part of an interconnected natural world. And, one of the best places in Connecticut to celebrate Earth Day on April 21 is at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut.

Earth Day @ the Institute of Native American Studies

The staff of the museum has organized a celebration for Earth Day on April 21 from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  This very special celebration will honor our connections to each other and to the natural world that we live in.  Spark your child's creativity and imagination while learning ways to best take care of Mother Earth.

Through hands-on, multi-sensory activities and games, your child will explore ways to recognize and use recycled materials in clever ways! Examples of potential activities: recycle relay and sensory identification boxes.

Participants will be encouraged to let their thoughts of appreciation roam free…and to commune with nature and take a moment to appreciate the sky, the breeze, the colors of  Mother Earth and the natural beauty that surrounds you.

 The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.


The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.