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Visit: http://www.birdstone.org/

The Institute for American Indian Studies is a museum and education and research center dedicated to the study of the indigenous peoples throughout the western hemisphere, particularly those of the Eastern Woodlands.

The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) offers fun, interactive and exciting class trip programs, workshops and Native American festivals for all ages. Visitors to the museum experience a wide range of exhibits featuring American Indian cultures from 10,000 years ago to the present. Changing temporary exhibits highlight Native Peoples from throughout the United States and Canada and showcase both historic and contemporary art, lifeways and material culture.
Situated on 15 acres of wooded landscape IAIS is the perfect location to enjoy a hike along one of our 4 signed nature trails. Take a step back in time as you visit our outdoor replicated Algonkian village and indoor longhouse and reservation cabin. Enjoy the Children's Discovery Room, and visit our gift shop with a diverse selection of Native made gifts and souvenirs for all ages and interests.

Program details and availability

Education Programs
We offer educational programs for all grade levels - from PreK through College. Our programs are based on historical research, oral traditions and archaeology. Class trip programs are designed to be accurate and to stimulate further interest in the wonder and diversity of Mother Earth's many American Indian histories and cultures. In our core program, Indians of the Woodlands, students learn about Northeastern Indian family life and indigenous people's interaction with their woodland environment prior to European arrival. For older students we offer Discovering Quinnetukut. Participants in this program will have fun as they enhance their historical thinking skills learning about Connecticut’s rich Native American history. Additionally,hands-on archaeology and ecology programs are available for middle and high school students. Programs can be tailored for specific age groups; curriculum and adjunct programs featuring crafts, games and storytelling can be added to enhance your core program.

Museum Highlights:
* Outdoor replicated 16th century Algonkian Village
* Indoor Longhouse classroom featuring hands-on learning
* Local archaeological exhibits
* Simulated archaeological site and excavations
* Exhibits detailing Eastern Woodland and many other North American Indian Cultures
* Changing Exhibits including contemporary art
* Films depicting the importance of hunting, storytelling and interactions with Europeans
* Children's Discovery Room
* Early 1900 Reservation House
* Two Libraries (Education & Research) open by appointment
* Outdoor picnic benches and tables
* Gift shop with a school group friendly section

Exhibits:

"Quinnetukut: Our Homeland, Our Story"

Our story is one of community, of connections to Mother Earth and to one another. It is also the story of an enduring presence. The land now called Connecticut we have always known as Quinnetukut, the place of the long water. Our homelands have been here, along river banks, in forested uplands, and beside coastal marshes for thousands of years. We are always adapting to new ideas, new technologies and a changing environment yet our traditions and communities continue. We are still here. We are the Indigenous Peoples of Connecticut.

This new permanent exhibit follows the 10,000 year story of Connecticut's Native American Peoples to their lives and culture today. Discover their stories of survival, ingenuity and spiritual connections to Mother Earth as well as their technological and artistic accomplishments.


"From East to West, Across Our Homelands"
Our Homelands stretch from coast to coast, across the continent of North America. We are many different peoples, all with a unique cultural identity. For thousands of years our ancestors have traded and shared ideas and materials with one another, traveling over the ancient paths and trade routes that connect us. Our Grandmothers and Grandfathers have taught us the traditional ways of weaving grasses and fibers, of molding clay, of carving wood and stitching quills and beads into useful items as well as beautiful and symbolic works of art.

When visitors from Spain, France, Holland and Great Britain first arrived on our shores four centuries ago we welcomed the commodities these new trading partners could provide. Glass beads, calico fabrics, wool and metals were incorporated into our traditional lifeways. Though many changes have occurred since our earliest encounters with European peoples, our communities and cultural traditions have endured. We continue to educate our sons and daughters in the skills of our ancestors as we pass on our unique techniques and designs, and their social and spiritual meanings, to younger generations.

This exhibit celebrates the artistry and enduring individuality of Native American communities throughout North America.


For upcoming exhibits and educational programming, visit our website at: www.birdstone.org


Contact:
The Institute for American Indian Studies
38 Curtis Road
Washington, CT 06793
860-868-0518
www.birdstone.org
education.iais@charter.net


Audience: Recommended for all ages


Pricing: Group Educational programs: (reservations required) $8.00 - $20.00 per participant;less than 15 participants a minimum fee applies. Adjunct program range from an additional $1.00 to $6.00 per participant. Outreach programs available upon request.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm

Programs: Native American Lifeways, Archaeology, Ecology, Primitive Technology, Ethnobotany, Reseach and more.