When planning a visit to Nowashe Village, we will work with you to book a program best suited for your group. With both in-person and online content available, our staff is eager to assit you in customizing the right educational program to accomplish your goals.
Available learning stations include:
Stone Tool Evolution
Imagine Wooly Mammoths roaming free throughout New England! Paleo-age Indigenous Peoples used particular tools and weapons for daily survival in this post-Ice-Age period. But as the climate and environment changed over time, so did their tools and ways of life. As you travel through the Paleo, Archaic and Woodland periods, learn about the subtle and not-so-subtle evoluation of tools. Engage in hands-on tool exploration through using both authentic and replicated artifacts. Understanding is enhanced by matching prehistoric tools to their modern-day counterparts.
Native American Storytelling
Since ancient times and among all peoples of the earth, storytelling has educated and entertained the young and old. Indigenous People from long ago did not read or write, so knowledge was passed down orally from generation to generation. At Nowashe, your group can gather in one of the village’s wigwams or around the community fire to listen to, and discuss, stories from various New England tribes. Stories are only offered by Indigenous Peoples.
A Day in the Life
Travel back in time to the Woodland Period of the central Connecticut River Valley, when the bow and arrow became popular hunting tools, clay pottery was invented, and Indigenous Peoples began to rely more on an agricultural way of life. Gain first-hand insight into everyday village domestic life and enjoy hands-on exploration of native regalia, pelts, Wampum and other cultural objects. Each participant will grind native corn with a stone mortar and pestle and learn how to properly cook corn cakes using only hot fire pit stones. In addition, many foods considered staples of the Native Peoples’ diet will be discussed and sampled. Please see Education Director regarding food allergies/sensitivities. This learning station generally includes an age-appropriate craft.
The Three Sisters Garden
Learn the science behind the “Three Sisters” gardening method and the important role nitrogen plays in a successful crop. Also known as symbiotic agriculture, the Three Sisters (and the little-known Fourth Sister) function as companion plantings. It is said the term “Three Sisters” garden originated with the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). This program is best during the summer or early fall when Nowashe’s Three Sisters garden of corn, beans and Squash is in its prime growing period. Optional add-on craft: hands-on planting of a miniature Three Sisters Garden in a take-home (to re-plant) peat moss cup.
Archaeology Lab
How do we know what we know about the past? In this station, visitors are introduced to the science of Archaeology, or the study of man-made objects from the past. By studying these objects – or artifacts as they’re commonly known – we can learn about different people and cultures. Discover how local Indigenous Peoples lived by analyzing authentic local artifacts, such as dulled Projectile Points, hide scrapers, leaf knives, and hammerstones – just to name a few! Artifacts and ecofacts offer many clues that can help solve the mystery of how people lived in the past. A chipped rock, a burnt seed, animal bones, and broken pieces of pottery all provide insight into what life was like before permanent European settlement.
Woodlands & Wetlands
Atlatl Throwing and Native Games
Have an idea or special need? We love hands-on learning and there is so much interpretation available inside Nowashe Village to examine a variety of historical and STEAM topics. Please reach out to discuss a customized program for your group!