Tuesday, July 1, 10:30 am–3 pm
Farmstead Day
Join us outdoors on the Farmstead Exhibit grounds for a day of living history, games and cultural discovery. Take in a black powder demonstration, see how food was prepared over an open hearth, learn how wild plant fibers were woven to make cordage, throw a spear with an atlatl, and tour the wild plants of Mashantucket. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Wednesday, July 9, and Aug. 13, 3–5:30 pm
Contemporary Reading Circle
Join a reading group led by a prominent academic discussing noteworthy works by contemporary Native authors. July 9: Sherman Alexie’s novel Indian Killer. Aug. 13: Joseph Bruchac’s memoir Bowman’s Store: A Journey to Myself. Book sessions are free, limited to 20 (18 and older), and include light refreshments. Books can be borrowed from the Museum library. Register: (860) 396-6812 by June 25 and July 30 respectively.

Wednesday & Thursday, July 9–10, 11 am–3 pm
Annual Museum Powwow Festival
Get on the powwow trail! Enjoy and share the traditions of these colorful Native gatherings that showcase tribal cultures. The aroma of fry bread and Indian tacos fills the air, while the rhythm of the drum calls everyone to join the celebration. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.  Click here to learn more.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the Bank of America.

Friday, July 11, 2–4 pm
Exploring Lake of Isles
Senior Museum Researcher Jason Mancini leads a golf cart/hiking excursion of several significant archaeological sites recently uncovered where the Tribe’s golf courses are now located. Meet at the Lake of Isles clubhouse. $15/$12 for Museum members. Register by July 3: (800) 411-9671.

Saturday, July 12, 1–3 pm
Making Wampum Workshop
Members Only. Narragansett artist Allen Hazard, Sr. shows how shells from Long Island Sound are crafted into wampum, as Native peoples have done for centuries and assists Museum members as they fashion their own wampum necklace to take home, $55. RSVP: (860) 396-6890, seleazer@mptn-nsn.gov, by July 7.

Monday-Friday, July 14–18, 9 am–3 pm
Journey Through Time Camp
This weeklong summer camp for 8- to 12-year-olds is full of fun, adventure and discovery. Campers explore the diversity of cultures within our society, examining the new special exhibit RACE: Are We So Different? $250/$200 for Museum members (pickup time may be extended to 4 pm daily for an additional $50). Campers should bring their own lunch—afternoon snacks are provided. Register: (860) 396-6839 by July 7.

Tuesday, July 15, 10:30 am & 12:30 pm
Stories from Asia and Africa
Two inspiring storytellers, Eshu Bumpus and Motoko, bring their respective African-American and Japanese cultures to life during joint performances. Free with museum admission, free to Museum members.

Saturday & Sunday, July 19–20, 2 pm
In the White Man’s Image
This film examines the historical attempts to “Americanize” Indians during the late 1800s, focusing on the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania that served as a model for boarding schools for Native youth around the nation and Canada. Mohawk author and leader Doug George-Kanentiio introduces the 60-minute film and afterwards discusses the issues it raises. For ages 12 and older. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Wednesday, July 23, 1–2 pm
Taino Music and Dancing
Roberto Mucaro Borrero brings his troupe of Taino musicians and dancers for a lively performance of one of the Caribbean’s oldest cultures. He discusses the meaning of various songs and how Taino instruments are played and made. $5 per person with Museum admission.

Thursday, July 24, 9 am–3 pm
Family Archaeology Adventures
Become an archaeologist for a day as you work beside museum scientists excavating an historical site on the tribal reservation. Search for ancient artifacts and learn to analyze what you dig up. $25/$15 for Museum members. Register: (800) 411-9671.

Monday, July 28, 10 am–Noon
Lantern Hill Nature Hike
Explore the woodland habitats, geology and history of Lantern Hill, the highest point in southeastern Connecticut and an important place for Natives and Euro-American settlers, with Senior Museum Researcher Jason Mancini. $8, free to Museum members. Register by July 21: (800) 411-9671.

Tuesday, July 29, 1 pm
Native Origins in the Americas
Archaeologists and Native Americans often have conflicting views about when this continent’s first peoples arrived, and how. Native author and scholar Dr. Jack Forbes, professor emeritus and former chair of Native American Studies at the University of California, Davis, offers a dynamic and challenging exploration of this contentious topic. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 29–30, 10 am–4 pm
What’s Race Got to do With It?
We live in a multi-cultural world, but do we teach our children how to live in it? This teachers’ workshop addresses such issues, incorporating the current special exhibit, RACE: Are We So Different? Educators can earn 1.2 CEUs. $60/$50 for Museum members. Register: (860) 396-6839.

Thursday, July 31, 11 am–3 pm
Drumming Fun
Drummers wanted! Beginners welcome! Bring your drum and jam away with fellow percussionists. Free with museum admission, free to Museum members. A special 45-minute performance by the Japanese-American ensemble Odaiko New England in the Museum Auditorium at 1 is $5.