Nowashe Open House

“First Light Flashback” with Annawon Weeden

Take a walk through time. Feel the sense of freedom that can only be found prior to colonization. Experience the dynamics of what it was like to take part in the first encounter of Europeans arriving to be discovered by the inhabitants of Turtle Island. Hear more from Squanto and how helpful he truly was. Witness the ferocity of an agitated King Phillip. See how slavery impacted the New England region as well as how the whaling also shaped the identity of New England tribes today.
All this and more unfolds before your eyes, dependent on audience participation. Theatrical role play, with an educational time travel experience. Duration: 30-45 minutes

Rock / Mineral / Crystal Identification

Have you always wondered about what that awesome rock or pebble is that you collected on vacation?  Want to learn more about rocks and minerals native to Connecticut, and how Native Americans utilized them for thousands of years?  Join Nancy Najarian & Friends, from the Lapidary & Mineral Society of CT (LMSCC) as they identify museum-goers’ rock and mineral finds.  LMSCC (aka Meriden Mineral Club) is a non-profit group dedicated to the promotion, study, and encouragement of interest in rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, meteorites, and lapidary arts through monthly meetings, lectures, discussions, field trips, and educational events.  A retired Physician Assistant, Nancy Najarian is an active member of several CT-based mineral clubs.  She has studied both geology and mineralogy and does stone Artifact museum work at The Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington, CT.  Nancy participates in outreach/education through community and library based programs.

How to Make An Arrow

Native Americans employed several necessary skills, using only the items available to them in the environment, to make all the tools they needed for daily life.  This included arrows to hunt with.  Join Primitive Technologist Jim Dina to learn about how this crucial Stone Age hunting tool was created, from start to finish.  Jim has spent a lifetime learning the Lifeways of Indigenous Peoples.  He is a renowned Connecticut-based Primitive Technologist who has built a variety of Native Peoples structures and tools as well as pottery, cattail mats and more.  After graduating MIT with an advanced degree in engineering, Jim also trained as a classical guitarist.  His book The Ant chronicled his journey in making a canoe and traveling up the Connecticut River from the Long Island Sound to Canada, all the while living off the land and utilizing only primitive tools.  Can’t make it in person but fascinated by this presentation?  Purchase and view it online here.