Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs

call the Education Department at (860)868-0518 ext. 103 to schedule an outreach program today!

Although nothing helps reinforce Eastern Woodland Native American concepts quite like a visit to the Institute for American Indian Studies, if your school is unable to make the trip, one of our Outreach Programs may be the next best thing! Have IAIS Educators come to your school or facility and bring the experience right to you, with authentic and replicated artifacts, traditional clothing and furs and visual materials to help students imagine what life in the woodlands was really like. These programs can be adapted for grade levels from Pre-K through Middle School and program lengths can be adapted to suit your particular group. For groups larger than 30 students, please call for prices.

Woodland Native Lifeways
Bring history to life with an exciting look into the Woodland cultures before the first contact with Europeans. What types of things do you think 16th century Native American children would have had to learn in order to survive? This program includes discussion on topics such as home construction, making clothing and tools, the roles of men and women in pre-contact societies and much more. Participants will be able to handle various artifacts, both replicated and authentic, including children's toys, clothing made from animal hide and bone tools. Finally, participants will have an opportunity to learn and play a traditional Eastern Woodland game.

1 hour
In-State: $200 for groups up to 30
Out-Of-State: $225 for groups up to 30
Mileage Rate: $0.55 per mile

Celebrate Earth's Gifts
Relying upon the land for survival, Native Americans have traditionally held several "thanks giving" celebrations throughout the year. These celebrations coincided with and honored the gifts of the earth. Along with Native American life in general, participants in this program will learn about such traditional celebrations as the Maple Sugaring Festival, the Strawberry Festival and the Green Corn Festival. To finish everything off, participants will be able to play authentic Native American instruments while learning a simple social dance that would be common at any celebration.

1 hour
In-State: $210 for groups up to 30
Out-Of-State: $235 for groups up to 30
Mileage Rate: $0.55 per mile

Waste Not, Want Not
Native Americans have been avid recyclers for centuries! Partly in order to show respect for nature (but also because there are so many uses) Eastern Woodland peoples have always made sure to use every possible part of an animal they had hunted or a plant they had grown. Along with Native American life in general, participants will learn about the many different uses for parts of animals, plants and trees...parts that modern people might even throw away! To reinforce this idea, participants will finish by making a traditional Eastern Woodland craft: a corn husk doll.

1 hour
In-State: $225 for groups up to 30
Out-Of-State: $245 for groups up to 30
Mileage Rate: $0.55 per mile

Add Native American Stories!
In every Native culture, storytelling teaches, guides and entertains. Stories provide examples of ways to deal with the problems of being human and the mysteries of life. Experience the lessons, wonders and the magic of Native American folklore by adding on a Native American Stories module to any of the core programs.

Additional 30 minutes
Cost (in addition to core program): $90

Archaeological/Historical Presentations
Recommended for High School through Adult levels
Illustrated presentation by noted archaeologist and IAIS' Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin. Choose from the following topics focusing on archaeology and/or an intriguing aspect of the history and culture of American Indians both past and present, or historic non-Native persons throughout Connecticut and New England.

1 hour
In-State: $200
Out-Of-State: $225
Mileage Rate: $0.55 per mile