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.
