Saturday, Sept. 11, 1–2 pm & 2:30–3:30 pm
American Indian Medicinal & Edible Plants
Ethnobotonist E. Barrie Kavasch and Gary Carter (Mashantucket Pequot) lead a two-part talk & walk program: native plants presentation at 1 pm, outdoor walk to identify medicinal and edible plants at 2:30 pm. Walk limited to 25. Dress for the weather; bring water bottle and note-taking material. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members. Call (800) 411-9671 by Sept. 10 to register for the walk.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 1–2 pm
Gourds: Seeds of Inspiration
Jeanne (Morningstar) Kent (Abenaki) shares her experience growing and decorating gourds. She has exhibited in galleries throughout New England and has won state and national awards for her pieces. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2:30–3:30 pm
Design & Decorate a Gourd Workshop
Design and decorate your own gourd with Abenaki artist Jeanne (Morningstar) Kent. Tools and gourds provided. Wear old clothes or a smock (dyes are permanent). Space is limited to 15. $40/$35 Museum members. Call (800) 411-9671 by Sept. 11 to register.

Saturday, September 25, 10 am–4 pm
Smithsonian Day
Smithsonian members, magazine subscribers, and friends can take advantage of Museum Day to receive free admission for one person and an accompanying guest upon presentation of the Smithsonian Museum Day pass, available at www.Smithsonianmag.com/museumday.

Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 am–4 pm
Educators’ Open House
Visit the Children’s Library, sign up for a sample tour, and let children enjoy Native games and art activities while Sandy Grande (Quechuan), author and educator, talks about multicultural education. Win a prize for the classroom. Resource packets available. Teachers and up to 3 family members are admitted free with a school or union ID. Reservations recommended; call Kathy Davis at (860) 396-6839 or kdavis@mptn-nsn.gov.