WASHINGTON — Visitors to the Institute for American Indian Studies are invited tojoin IAIS educators at an event that demonstrates and celebrates maple sugarding, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 5.
At 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., IAIS educator and ecologist Susan Scherf will demonstrate various traditional Native American techniques of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup for sugar, during the Maple Sugar Festival.
“It is interesting to watch how Native Americans used tools made from a variety of natural materials in this labor-intensive process. Visitors will learn about the importance of maple sugar to the diet of Native Americans as well as its usefulness as an item of trade,” members said in a statement.
According to the institute, historic records indicate that the collecting and processing of maple sap was a social as well as a working occasion. Women would tap the trees, men would cut the wood for the fire needed to boil the sap, and children tended the sap as it bubbled and boiled.
In keeping with the convivial nature of traditional Native American maple sugaring, the program will also offer traditional Native American stories recounted by Education Director Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, at noon and 2 p.m.
Throughout the day, the institute will also provide traditional family-friendly games and activities. A pancake breakfast will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with coffee and orange juice.
The annual Maple Sugar Festival at the Institute teaches visitors about the importance of the maple season to local Native American cultures.
Pre-registration for this event is requested by visiting www.iaismuseum.org to register for this event via Eventbrite. If you have any questions, please call the Institute at 860-868-0516 or email events@iaismuseum.org. Admission is $5 for members, $15 for adults and $10 for children.Pancakes are an additional $5.
For the safety of the guests and staff of the Institute, masks are required inside the museum and research buildings regardless of vaccination status. Social distancing is practiced at all outdoor events.
