Wednesdays in July and August, 2 pm
Sing Birds: Following the Path of Cahuilla Power
This 50-minute film illustrates cultural changes for individuals in the Cahuilla Band of Indians in California. Bird songs are traditional social songs that speak of Cahuilla origins, describing the environment and inhabitants. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Saturday, July 2 and Aug. 6, 10 am–4 pm
Free Admission for Kids
A visit to the Museum is great way to spend time with the kids, and this summer we’re making a visit even better because all children ages 15 and younger are admitted free on the first Saturdays in July and August. Cannot be combined with any other offer for discounted adult admission rates.

Wednesday & Thursday, July 6 & 7, 11 am–3 pm
Museum Educational Powwow
Listen to the drum and learn to identify different songs. Watch dancers in their colorful regalia and join in a social dance or two. This year, in conjunction with the exhibit, Sing Me A Story, Dance Me Home, the Cahuilla Bird Singers from California perform around noon on both days. Native artists demonstrate and sell their works including wampum and beaded jewelry, sweet grass baskets, and pottery. Grand entry at 11 am and 1 pm daily. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Saturday, July 9, 11 am–2 pm
Battlefields of the Pequot War
Museum Members Only. Dr. Kevin McBride leads a tour of the archaeology labs for an update on the Battlefields of the Pequot War project. After the labs, Executive Director Kimberly Hatcher-White joins the group for lunch then a short hike to learn about methods and techniques of battlefield archaeology and tour a nearby fortified village occupied during King Philip’s War (1675-1676). Dress for the woods and difficult terrain. Limited to 25 participants, ages 14 and older. $17 per person. Please RSVP by July 2 to Sarah Eleazer at (860) 396-6890 or seleazer@mptn-nsn.gov.

Wednesday, July 13, 2–3:30 pm
Reading Circle and Discussion: The Smokehouse Boys
Shaunna Oteka McCovey (Yurok) joins our summer Reading Circle to discuss her book of poems, The Smokehouse Boys. Purchase the book from the Museum gift shop or borrow a copy from the Research Library. Limited to 20 participants, ages 16 and older. Call (860) 396-6897 by July 9 to register. Free.

Thursday, July 14, 2–3:30 pm
Shaunna Oteka McCovey: Poetry from Native California
Shaunna Oteka McCovey (Yurok) reads from her book of poetry, The Smokehouse Boys, then signs copies of her book in the Museum gift shop. Free with Museum admissions, free to Museum members.

Thursdays, July 21 & Aug. 4, 10:30–noon
Write a Poem, Draw a Picture
Explore the exhibits for inspiration, and then draw on that experience to compose and illustrate a poem or haiku. Limited to 20 participants, ages 10 to 13. $15/$5 for Museum members. Call (800) 411-9671 to register by July 20 for July 21; or Aug. 3 for Aug. 4.

Saturday, July 30, 10 am–1 pm
Kate Swamp Road
Hike into the heart of the Pequot Reservation with Senior Researcher Dr. Jason Mancini to explore woodland habitats, archaeological sites, and old trails of Indiantown. A 3-mile, vigorous hike; wear appropriate footwear and clothing for rain or shine; bring water, insect repellant, and a snack. Limited to 25, ages 10 and older. $15/$5 for Museum members. Call (800) 411-9671 to register by July 29.