Washington
Connecticut
The Institute For American Indian Studies
The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) - formerly the American Indian Archaeological Institute (AIAI) - was incorporated in 1975 as an outgrowth of local efforts to recover New England's then-largely-unknown indigenous history. IAIS is a 501(c)3 museum and research center founded by Edmund "Ned" Swigart and Sidney Hesse. IAIS is a place to hear the voices of American Indians. IAIS is a museum and education and research center featuring exciting exhibits focusing on American Indian culture both past and present in Connecticut and all across America; Workshops; lectures; education programs; summer camps; gift shop and much more. Our focus is the Algonkian speaking peoples who make up the region's many native groups, but IAIS programs and exhibits also involve other Native American groups from across the continent.
Recent News
Paddle Into the Past - Dugout Canoe Rides on Lake Waramaug With the Institute for American Indian Studies
Have you ever wanted to paddle into the past? On Sunday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Warren Town Beach (26D) North Shore Road in New Preston on beautiful Lake Waramaug, you can try your paddling skills in an authentically recreated…
Read More »Gear - Up for 2023 Summer Camp at Institute for American Indian Studies
This summer the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is offering six weeks of summer camp where Native American history will come alive through fun activities offered by the Educational Department of the Institute. Hiking…
Read More »Creating A Ripple Effect Institute For American Indian Studies Joins World Water Day Celebration March 18
On Saturday, March 18, the Institute for American Indian Studies partnered with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Steep Rock Association, and the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition to celebrate World Water Day.…
Read More »The Institute For American Indian Studies - Native American Green Corn Festival A Harvest of Tradition August14 in Washington, Connecticut
Washington, CT, August 3, 2022 – Many of us celebrate the sweetness of corn that begins to ripen in early August as a high point of summer’s harvest. We are not alone in celebrating the golden deliciousness of corn. For the Native…
Read More »An Ecology Walk Along The Shepaug River With The Institute Foramerican Indian Studies
A summer walk along the Shepaug River that runs through Washington is a rewarding experience, especially when guided by IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m. The cost of this program hosted by the Institute for…
Read More »Lacrosse – More Than Just A Game New Exhibition At Institute for American Indian Studies
Lacrosse was originally played by eastern Native Americans and Canada’s First People. The Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has just opened a fascinating special exhibition, “More…
Read More »Traditional Native American Bark Basket Workshop At Institute forAmerican Indian Studies
Native Americans have created baskets for centuries. In fact, archeologists believe that basket-making is one of the oldest known crafts in the world. If you have always wanted to learn how to create a bark basket of your own, join this in-person…
Read More »The Institute For American Indian Studies - Blocks of Hope and Healing Participate in a Community QuiltingProject Institute for American Indian Studies
The Institute for American Indian Studies has just announced a new quilting project for the month of May called “Blocks of Hope and Healing.” This community-quilting project is a way to support and bring attention to the MMIWG2S…
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