Throughout the year, Native American communities give thanks for the gifts of the natural world. In this region, in late February and early March, it is a season to celebrate one of the sweetest gifts of all: the gift of maple sugar. On Saturday, March 11, from 11 am to 3 pm, join the Institute for American Indian Studies for their annual Maple Sugar Festival.
"The Maple Sugar Festival is an excellent opportunity for families to experience nature at its finest and have fun at the same time," said Chris Combs, Executive Director of the Institute. "They'll discover how Native Americans harvested this sugary delight, and why this process has been such an important part of Eastern Woodland communities for centuries," Combs added.
The science of maple sugaring was discovered by Native Americans, who would set up sugar camps each year in groves of sugar maple trees. Maple sugar camps were a social as well as a working occasion. Women would tap the trees, men would cut wood for the fire needed to boil the sap, and children tended the sap as it bubbled and boiled sending a sweet fragrance into the air.
At this event, IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf will demonstrate various traditional Native American techniques of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup and sugar. Visitors will learn the importance of maple sugar to the diet of Native Americans as well as its usefulness as an item of trade.
In keeping with the fun-filled traditions surrounding Native American sugar camps, children are invited to listen to Native American stories and play traditional family-friendly games that will take place throughout the day, adding to this culturally enriching experience. And, if you have worked up an appetite, no worries, the Institute is serving up pancakes topped with real maple syrup from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., which is sure to satiate your taste buds. Coffee and orange juice will also be available.
The cost of participation for those that reserve in advance is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $5 for members of the Institute; tickets at the door on the day of the event are an additional $5. For folks that want to indulge in the pancake feast, there is an additional $5 charge. To reserve in advance click here.
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.
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