Friday, Aug. 8 & 15, 10:30 am & 1:30 pm
DIG IT: Archaeologists at Work!
Watch museum researchers excavating an historic site on the reservation, ask what they’ve found and discover what all those strange tools are that are used to dig up those ancient artifacts. Two one-hour-long tours each day. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members. Register: (800) 411-9671.
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 9 & 10
Discover Our Discovery Carts
Look for our “Learning Centers on Wheels” throughout the exhibits, handle and identify various animal furs, play a traditional game, and discover how containers were made and used centuries ago. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Monday, Aug. 11, 11:30 am
Raptors Flying Free!
See these remarkable “Sky Hunters in Flight” as they soar and dive outside on the Farmstead Exhibit grounds. Master falconer Brian Bradley brings falcons, hawks and other birds of prey to the Museum to strut their aerial stuff. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10 am–Noon
Hiking Forgotten Trails
Senior Museum Researcher Jason Mancini leads this hike into the woods of the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, to explore “wolf” trees, old home sites and remnant clues to past uses of the land. Rain or shine; wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members. Register: (800) 411-9671.
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1–3 pm
From Wampum to Chowder
Explore the many wonders of shellfish, which played a vital role in Native American cultures right up to the present day. Josh Carter (Mashantucket Pequot) demonstrates the ancient art of making wampum beads and our chefs prepare a succulent selection of shellfish. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm
Choctaw Storyteller Tim Tingle
Children’s book author and nationally recognized storyteller Tim Tingle brings to life the history and traditional tales of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, using gourd rattles and drums to punctuate his vivid storytelling. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 3–5:30 pm
Contemporary Reading Circle
Join a reading group led by a prominent academic discussing Joseph Bruchac’s memoir, Bowman’s Store: A Journey to Myself. Book session is free, limited to 20 (18 and older), and includes light refreshments. Books can be borrowed from the Museum library. Register: (860) 396-6812 by July 30.
Thursday, Aug. 14, 11 am–3 pm
Have a Field Day!
Try your skill at some age-old Native American games during our annual celebration of traditional Indian sports like lacrosse (known as the “little brother of war”) and hubbub (a much safer pastime). Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Friday, Aug. 15, 11:30 am
Live Birds of Prey
A golden eagle, hawks and owls visit the Museum with Wingmasters’ Jim Parks and Julia Collier, who discuss the role of these magnificent birds in the environment, their diverse hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Free with museum admission, free to Museum members.
Saturday, Aug. 16, 1–3 pm
Curator’s Choice from the Collections
Join Curator Stephen Cook as he presents rare and revealing pieces from the Museum’s various collections, including historical and contemporary works of art, books, documents and finely-crafted ethnographic pieces. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members. Register: (800) 411-9671.
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 16–17, 2 pm
Race is the Place
A compelling look at racism today, this documentary paints a bold, lyrical and poetic montage of performances by various artists, comedians and poets from minority communities and the messages their voices send. James Luna (LaJolla band of Lusieno Indians), one of the artists who performs in the 60-minute film, leads a discussion afterward. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
