institute for american indian studies

Not only was this a great museum to visit with the kids it's also very interesting for adults. Often places like these are suitable for kids or adults, this one is interesting for all. I am so happy we made this afternoon trip. We were there a short time, about 1.5 hours exploring the indoor collection and outside village, and then we enjoyed the beautiful fall day with a picnic. Will go back again.

In terms of museums in general, this is a small one in square footage, but a huge one in interesting and educational features. This Institute gives visitors a glimpse into the cultural lives of Native Americans. Many of the staff and contributors are descendants of the local Native American groups of New England. Many are skilled in the art forms and cultural aspects of Native life. The building that houses the Institute is composed of several rooms each with a different theme, as well as a replica Long House complete with household items used by the Native Americans to carry on their simple nature centered lives. Throughout the year many specialized programs are presented, such as Moccasin Making, Gifts of the Woodlands, and Foraging for a Healthy Lifestyle. The Institute also has summer camp experiences for children. There is adequate free parking, a small fee for admission, $8.00, and a gift shop. Situated in a secluded beautiful woodland, this museum is a wonderful day trip well worth the short drive from New Milford, CT

This small, but thorough museum is a delight! Displays are built in a diorama style, accessible to study the details, and with good information posted near items of particular interest. The children's study center is full of hands on experiences, and the outdoor recreated village offers authentic dwellings to investigate. There are hiking trails, too, and a small research library on the grounds as well. A very worthwhile experience for anyone curious about what life was like here in New England for the past 13,000 years, and up to contact with the Europeans.

Loved it!,Participated in a class on Native American jewelry making. We made pendants. Great class, wonderful teacher.

While AIAI I still a work in progress, it has made great strides since I was first founded and is great place to take kids to learn firsthand about who and what came before Europeans came to this area.

The Institute has progressed from being a haphazard display of local artifacts and a fake teepee to a delightful exhibition facility with a few permanent exhibits and some fascinating temporary ones. Walking through the timeline of a tribe was very informative and interesting to a wide range of age groups. The staff is always eager to answer questions and is remarkably well-informed. Their enthusiasm for the Institute and its work is contagious.

Well done displays on Indian life in the northeast, but primarily from after the arrival of Europeans. The archeology and pre-history are well represented in the early displays, but the bulk of the museum seems to cover the post-European era. The village reproduction seems poorly maintained and the overall site was not visually appealing. It works well for children but not so much for adults.

This museum can take up an hour or an entire day, depending upon how deeply you intend to delve on your visit. Set away from almost anything else, this place is like a world unto itself. The trails bring walkers to the depths of our woods, while the village and museum are engaging and informative. Don't miss a chance to give your kids this experience!

Wonderful place to learn about our history. Make sure you stroll the grounds as well as the museum

Een klein museum met toch wel leuke interessante voorwerpen. De nagebouwde tipi binnen is erg leuk om doorheen te lopen maar het leukste gedeelte vormt toch wel het buiten gebeuren. Met een stenen trapje kun je naar boven waar een soort mini Indianen dorpje is nagebouwd. Een grote Indiaanse tent maar ook meerdere kleinere, de kookgelegenheid en de kano zijn leuk om zo in het echt te zien en geven een goede indruk van hoe het geweest moet zijn. Het is geen heel groot museum en de voorwerpen zijn redelijk beperkt dus je bent er eigenlijk wel vlot doorheen maar het is zeker leuk om even te bekijken.