Saturday, November 10
Honoring the Nations’ Veterans
On Veterans’ Day join Mashantucket Pequot and other Native American veterans in the Gathering Space to acknowledge the contributions of all members of the armed services. All veterans and the public is invited to attend, from 11 am to 2 pm.
Friday-Sunday, November 16-18
Winter Moon Holiday Market*
Buy unique gifts direct from Native artists at the Museum’s annual Winter Moon Holiday Market – one week earlier this year! You can shop for hand-crafted art, exquisite jewelry, carvings, clothing and much more. Meet dozens of artists while you browse, listen to the stories behind their creations and learn about the traditions of these indigenous people. Give something truly special this year to the special people on your list. From 11 am-3 pm each day, admission is free to the public (no Museum admission required to attend the Market). Take a break from shopping to enjoy recording artist Robert Mirabal and his trio in concert in the Museum Auditorium at 1 pm each day. A flute-maker and member of the Taos Pueblo Tribe of New Mexico, Mirabal blends a variety of influences, including tribal traditions, into a compelling presentation. A reviewer termed his CD Taos Tale “A classic that successfully melds enticing traditional flute and contagious pop rock music with dashing hints of classical chamber music.” Mirabal performs his new program In the Blood (from his new CD of the same name) that includes a narrative cycle of songs reflecting a ceremonial quest for a brighter future. He also performs his all-time favorites like “Medicine Man” and “Dance Shimmer.” Guitar master Larry Mitchell provides the lightening and thunder for the trio, while brother Patrick Mirabal sings and plays flute and percussion. Robert sings, drums, plays the flute and dances. The performance is about family, hope and love. The shopping is free and the concert is free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 16-18
Recording Artist Robert Mirabel LIVE!**
Playing songs from his new CD In the Blood, Robert Mirabal and his trio appear in concert in the Museum auditorium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. The show features 15 new Mirabal tracks spanning a dozen years of work. Infused with timeless spiritual energy, this latest stage performance takes the audience on an exhilarating journey. A flute-maker and member of the Taos Pueblo Tribe of New Mexico, Mirabal blends a variety of influences, including tribal traditions, into a compelling presentation. A reviewer termed his music “A classic that successfully melds enticing traditional flute and contagious pop rock music with dashing hints of classical chamber music.” Mirabal performs his new program “In the Blood” that includes a narrative cycle of songs reflecting a ceremonial quest for a brighter future. He also performs his all-time favorites like Medicine Man and Dance Shimmer. Guitar master Larry Mitchell provides the lightening and thunder for the trio, while brother Patrick Mirabal sings and plays flute and percussion. Robert sings, drums, plays the flute and dances. The performance is about family, hope and love. The concert is free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Saturday, November 17
Great Cedar Swamp Walk
Archaeologist Brian Jones leads a walk to some of the earliest Native settlement sites on the Reservation and examines environmental changes over the last 15,000 years and how that affected human habitation around the Great Cedar Swamp. The 500-acre wetlands basin was formed 18,000 years ago by the Wisconsin Glacier, the last to visit New England. Over millennia it has served as a rich resource for Native peoples, as evidenced by some 250 archaeological sites discovered near it. Dr. Jones also discusses the importance of the swamp in tribal culture and oral history as a place of refuge during times of trouble. From 11 am to 1 pm, limited to 25 (10 years and older), $15/$12 for Museum members, call 800-411-9671. Meet in the Gathering Space.
Friday-Saturday, November 23-25
Thanksgiving Weekend Fun
Family and friends can join the fun over the three-day holiday weekend at the world’s largest Native American museum – and all the activities are free with regular Museum admission. On Friday and Saturday the audience can take part in the Puppet Theater play Pushing up The Sky about a time long ago when the sky was way too close to the earth, from 1 to 1:30 pm each day. All three days, from 11 am-3 pm, enter our Expressive Visions Circle in the Gathering Space and make your own “Water Basket” to celebrate the new special exhibit Native Waters: Sharing the Source. Solve the Mystery of Caribou Hunting and learn how these large creatures were hunted millennia ago at 11 am, 1 and 2 pm each day. Limited to 20, call 800-411-9671 to reserve your spot for these half-hour sessions.
