Little Coyote Story Hour at The Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies is located in Washington Connecticut on 38 Curtis Road was founded in 1975 as an outgrowth of local efforts to recover New England's then-largely-unknown indigenous history.  A respect for the earth and for all living things is central to Native American lifeways and this is reflected throughout this museum, which is nestled in 15 acres of woodlands and trails.

Inside, the museum exhibits present information on a spectrum of topics related to the lives and cultures of prehistoric, historic and contemporary Native Americans. Permanent exhibits include Quinnetukut: Our Homeland, Our Story; From East To West: Across Our Homelands; Digging into the Past: Archaeology in Connecticut; a Sachem's wigwam (longhouse) classroom with a beautifully painted lifeways mural; and a replicated early-1900s Northeastern reservation house room.

The Institute also presents a series of special programs throughout the year. On January 14 and January 28, the Museum is presenting "Little Coyote Story Hour" from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  This program will introduce pre-school age children to the wonders and joy of traditional Native American stories! Why does Bear have a short tail? Who is Gluskabi and from where did his superpowers come? And why is Coyote known as a "trickster"? Kids are invited to join Janis "Four Hearts Whispering" Us of Mohawk-Shinnecock descent in a beautifully replicated 16th century indoor Sachem's house for delightful and heartwarming stories. The story hour is included with regular admission - Adults: $8, Seniors:$6 and Children: $5, members are free. 

Outdoors visitors will find a Simulated Archaeological Site, Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens, as well as a replicated 16th century Algonkian Village. The village is based upon traditional knowledge and archaeological research and is built from local natural materials. Self-guided trails let visitors explore the seasonal world of Woodland Indian peoples.

Changing exhibits and the shop's Artist's Corner round out the experience. IAIS is open seven days a week year-round. 

For more information visit www.iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

Native American Quill and Beadwork in Litchfield Hills

In northwest Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, The Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington is presenting and exhibition of the quill and bead work of Chris Bullock who is of Wampanoag descent. The Wampanoag is an tribe whose ancestors lived on Martha's Vineyard.

Since childhood, Chris has participated in Native American cultural events and has been crafting his own work for 47 years. He also provides educational programming on eighteenth century Native culture.

Chris oversees the daily operation of The Wandering Bull, LLC, a family business his parents began in 1969 that is located in Washington, New Hampshire. The Wandering Bull sells Native craft supplies, as well as vintage and antique Native art with a focus on the Northeast Woodlands.

The exhibit runs through November 30, 2013. There is no charge for this exhibition. Museum Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday from 12 Noon to 5pm Last admission at 4:30pm.

For more information www.iaismuseum.org. For information on Litchfield Hills visit  www.litchfieldhills.com