Birds of Prey August 24

On August 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is welcoming staff from the Sharon Audubon Center for a program featuring live birds of prey.

Native American people revere birds of prey for their majestic appearance as well as for their hunting prowess. In some indigenous cultures, birds of prey are considered important because of their ability to fly high, and thus have a closer proximity to the Creator. Feathers from these birds are significant, as they are symbols of honor, and must be earned. Today, across the United States, Native American cultures celebrate these predators in art, jewelry, crafts, beadwork, and basketry.

This joint program hosted by the Institute and the Sharon Audubon strives to increase public understanding of these North American birds of prey and their importance to Native American culture in the Eastern woodlands.  A highlight of this program is that visitors will be able to meet these fascinating creatures up close and watch them being handled by a Sharon Audubon educator. 

This special event is included in the price of admission to the Institute of American Indian Studies. Adults are $10, Seniors are $8, and children are $6; members of the Institute are free. For more information visit the website or call 860-309-9215.

Medicinal Monday - the Magic of Red Spoon Leaf Peat Moss

Moss encompasses the lilliputian universe of bryophytes, plants without tissues or roots, which is pretty amazing. Native Americans living in the Eastern Woodlands valued the many varied properties of a multitude of mosses that grow here including the red spoon leaf peat moss.

About Moss
Mosses are small flowerless plants that grow in dense green mats that seem to carpet the ground usually in a shady damp spot. Mosses do not have seeds and, most develop spores in tiny capsules in order to reproduce.  All mosses make their own food and do not have stems, leaf veins, or roots.  The Red Spoonleaf Peat Moss is distinguished by its shiny red cushion of leaves.  The branches are fat and bunched together and form a rosette at the top.  The leaves are round-tipped and overlap each other.  This type of moss is considered rare and is found in sunny spots in a bog environment. 

Native American Practical and Medicinal Uses
Red Spoonleaf Peat Moss is fairly common in the cool temperate woodland forests of New England.  This moss is extremely absorbent and was used extensively by Native peoples as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.  This moss was also packed around infants in their cradleboards in the winter to help insulate them against the cold.  This and other mosses are used to help insulate Native dwellings in the winter months as well as providing extra insulation for clothing.  Acting like a preservative, moss was also packed around food stores as insulation. Medicinally, moss was used to help cleanse wounds and, was sometimes used as a wound dressing.

Did You Know

Most mosses are not even one inch high.

Botanists believe that the earliest mosses developed more than 375 million years ago during the Devonia and Silurian Periods.

Mosses are classified in their own plant division of Bryophyta and there are about 12,000 species.

Commercially, the main significance of moss is peat.

Other names for this moss are Magellanic bog moss, Magellan's sphagnum, and midway peat moss.

The antibiotic properties of bryophytes have drawn the attention of botanists and microbiologists in recent years. 

Medicinal Monday - American Spikenard

This shrubby looking soft-stemmed herbaceous perennial is in the Gingsing family that is native to Canada and much of the northeast stretching south to Georgia and west to Missouri. Native Americans used almost every part of this plant for medicinal purposes to treat everything from burns and colds to venereal disease.

About American Spikenard

This shrubby plant is found on wooded slopes, hillsides, and in ravines.  The root is aromatic and can run up to three feet long through the soil.  It sends up stalks that can grow up to seven feet high. Large toothed leaves grow on the stalks below the clusters of flowers.  The large tapered flower clusters are made up of several umbrels composed of tiny white or green flowers growing above the leafy stem of foliage.  The flowers usually bloom in June.  The flowers are replaced by purple-red berries in the fall.  The plant reseeds itself and, also spreads by its aromatic taproot.

Medicinal & Culinary Uses

Spikenard is native to the Eastern United States and has a long tradition of being used by the Native American communities living in the area.  Native Americans use the entire root as food, some mix the berries and wild onions with meat. 

Medicinally, the Algonquin used an infusion of the roots to treat both diabetes and tuberculous. Many Native American communities used a decoction of the roots and berries as an expectorant to treat coughs including the  Algonquin, Cherokee, Chippewa, Iroquois, Malecite, and Micmac.  Another common use was to aid women in pregnancy and help with menstrual problems. The Choctaw used a decoction of the root to steam sore eyes and made a sweet decoction to give to children suffering from colic. Iroquois and Menominee made a compound decoction from the roots and used it to strengthen and purify the blood.  The Iroquois made an infusion of the entire plant to treat venereal disease and the Mimac used the root to treat gonorrhea.  The Penobscot used a compound infusion of the plant to treat rheumatism and the Malecite mixed the roots with red osier dogwood and smoked this combination for headaches.

Did You Know...

American Spikenard is also called Indian Root, Spignet, life-of man, old man's root, petty morel, and Fleabane.

It is also known as wild or false sarsaparilla because of its licorice flavor.


In Appalachia, a tea is made of roots for backache.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Summer Camp 2019 - Explore, Create & Discover!

Spend the summer of 2019 @ The Institute For American Indian Studies!  Our camp programs offer immersion into the natural world and culture of Connecticut's Eastern Woodland Native American people through the exploration of our replicated 16th century Algonkian Village, our forests, three sisters garden, and museum.  Experienced and professional educators provide young and curious minds with exciting programs that engage and educate.

The programming for the Institute for American Indian Studies Summer Camps have been created to inspire and engage children from ages  5-12 and 13 to 16 in explorations of the natural world and history of Connecticut's first inhabitants on Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended camp options available with pre-registration.  Young people from ages 13 - 16 can apply to a counselor in training program.  Interactive activities include traditional stories, crafts, team building activities, and games that bring history to life in age-appropriate contexts. Kids will explore hands-on exhibits in our museum as well as in our outdoor replicated 16th century outdoor Algonkian Village and Three Sisters Garden located on 15 unspoiled acres,  go on hikes to Steep Rock and the Shepaug River, and visit our traditional herb and flower garden.  The week specific programming includes a group project that allows campers to practice the skills that they have learned to create something to take home and share with their friends and family or to leave at the museum for future visitors to enjoy.  Kids will make friends, enjoy the summer and learn about Native American culture.

Weekly camps with different themes run from July 8 -August 16, 2019.  Kids that love archeology and wonder what tools archeologists use to discover the past will enjoy Digging Detectives: Archeology Week, July 8-12.  If your children are interested in food, Eating with the Seasons: Foraging in the Forest from July 15-19 teaches children how Native Americans were able to thrive in the natural world using their knowledge of the forest and rivers.  Crafty Creations week on July 22-26 is sure to inspire the budding artist in your child. In this program, kids will learn about crafts, music, arts, and storytelling from a variety of Native American cultures, past and present. 

To experience the beautiful natural environment at The Institute as well as to sharpen outdoor survival skills, Get Out! Woodland Survival, July 29 - August 2 will teach children outdoor living skills from knot tying and navigation to the safe use of fire in an outdoor setting and much more.  On August 5-9, Tech It Out! Not So Primitive Technology will uncover the mysteries of the past and show kids how Native Americans figured out creative ways to thrive in their environment.  The creation of tools, the construction of shelter and how to find food in the natural world that surrounds them will be on this week's agenda.  The final program of the summer, Nature Nuts: Forest and River Ecology from August 12-16 teaches the valuable lesson that all living things are connected.  This important life lesson will be taught through games, stories, crafts and more.

For complete registration information, visit http://www.iaismuseum.org. Pricing is $228 for members of The Institute for American Indian Studies and $285 for non-members; families with two or more children registered to get a family discount. Registration forms and non-refundable deposit of $100 is due by May 17, 2019.  The summer camp director is Gabriel Benjamin and he can be reached at gbenjamin@iaismuseum.org.

Medicinal Monday - Common Barberry

This deciduous shrub is native to New England where it grows wild.  It is part of the Berberidaccae family that includes 175 different species.  Today, many of these species are used in ornamental gardens or as hedges.   Like many other cultures around the world, the Berberis vulgaris is used by Native Americans to treat many maladies from ulcers and sores to heartburn.

About Berberis vulgaris
This thorny shrub with small oval leaves grows in clusters and the shrub itself can grow up to 13 feet high.  The yellow flowers grow in small clusters that bloom from May to June and are said to have an unpleasant odor.  The fruit is an oblong red berry that ripens in late summer or early autumn. When the branches of this plant come in contact with the earth, new plants can be produced.  Because this shrub is tolerant of shade, in woodland areas, it is considered to be invasive. The berries, which are rich in vitamin C can be eaten but are very sour.  Often the berries are dried and eaten like raisins.

Medicinal & Practical Uses of Berberis Vulgaris

Medicinal plants have been known among different nations for thousands of years and have been used throughout the centuries. Native Americans knew by experience the use of this shrub for many illnesses.  The Micmac use a mixture of the bark and root of this plant as an oral aid for sore gums.  The Mohegans made a decoction of pounded berries to treat colds and the juice of the berries is mixed with water to treat fever. The Penobscot pounded the roots and bark and used it to treat gums and a sore throat.  The Shinnecock made a decoction of leaves which was taken three times a day to treat jaundice.  Many native communities make a root tea from this shrub and drank it as a blood tonic and to treat kidney ailments.  The roots of this plant are used in an interesting and creative way. Native Americans found that the yellow roots of this plant are an important source of dye for baskets, buckskins, and fabric.

Did You Know

In Europe, the berries have been a traditional ingredient in making jam.

The flowers were used as a dye and the thorny shrub provided fencing in central and southern Europe.

In New Zealand, this plant has been cultivated for hedges.

The medicinal plants from the genus Berberis are important to traditional medicine in Iran.

In Russian folk medicine, this plant was used to treat inflammation and to stop bleeding in general.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Wigwam Escape Room Tips

If you are a newbie or a seasoned escape room player there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when trying to solve puzzles and beat the clock!  In addition to listening attentively to your host or hostess of the room, we have compiled eight tips from players that have experienced Wigwam Escape to help you find your way to a cure for the village and escape the room.  To book the room visit https://wigwamescape.org

Play the game with five friends, co-workers or family members.
Teams that know each other work better together because there is a common thread of communication and knowledge of how your teammates think.  Escape rooms require teamwork, your best bet is to rent the room out for your group.

Listen to your teammates.
If you can't solve a puzzle on your own, don't be afraid to ask your team for help.  If your teammate has an idea, try it out with them, it just might work.

Communicate with your teammates.
If a member of your team finds an important clue, make sure it is communicated to the rest of the team.  Escape rooms can be chaotic and the clock is always ticking so communicate.

Divide and conquer to search.
It is important that every member of your team contributes to the escape and helps to solve the puzzles. Communication and organization of different tasks make everyone feel included in the game and ensures that some puzzles won't be missed or forgotten until the last minute.

Be organized!
It is helpful if you organize the solved puzzles neatly in the room where they are easily accessible. Make sure that you inspect the room thoroughly so you don't miss any important clues.

Ask for a hint.
If your team is really stuck on something, don't be afraid to ask for a hint.  It is no fun if you are frustrated because you are overly stuck!  Our hosts at Wigwam Escape are trained to push you in the right direction.

Don't use excessive force.
Breaking puzzles is bad for the escape room and for the players. Player safety and the sequence of the game depend on functionality so avoid climbing on walls, trees and other items in the room. Game hosts will run down a list of things that will keep you out of trouble!

Don't be afraid to lose.
The game is most fun when you take your time and enjoy solving the puzzles. Wigwam Escape is designed to be fun, educational and challenging.  Have fun with your friends playing the game and don't focus on the outcome.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday - Horehound

Horehound is a native to Europe and Asia that has been naturalized to most other areas of the world including the United States. Native Americans adapted this hardy perennial herb and used it in many ways medicinally from treating colds, coughs, and sore throats to treating swellings and increasing circulation.

About Horehound
The scientific name of this herb is Marrubium vulgare.  Horehound is an aromatic herb of the mint family.  The plant has oval leaves that are covered in white wooly hairs and it bears small, white flowers.  Marrubium vulgare or white horehound grows nearly two feet tall and has a short woody root.  The leaves are oval, wrinkled and dark green on the top and pale with downy white hairs on the underside.  The tubular flowers form dense whorls at the leaf axils and bloom during the second year of growth from June to August.  The seeds are dark brown and have tiny barbs that attach to animal fur and clothing.  They attract bees when they are in bloom.

Medicinal Uses
Horehound is one of the oldest cough remedies in the world.  This time-honored cough remedy can be found in syrup, candy, and tea preparations today.  Many Native American communities use horehound to treat coughs and colds, sore throats, and whooping cough including the Cherokee, Diegueno, Hopi, Kawaiisu, Mahuna, Navajo, Rappahannock and Yuki.  The Costanoan make a salve from the leaves and put it on boils, and the Isleta used a poultice of crushed leaves to treat swellings.  The Navajo, Ramah use a decoction of this plant to treat stomachaches, they and also use a decoction of the root before and after childbirth.  To increase circulation the Paiute whip the body with the branches of this herb.

Did you Know...

It is thought that this herb may have been used as one of the bitter herbs used on the night of Passover.

In Roman times, it was used as an antidote for poison and the Egyptian pharaohs kept it in their medicine chests.

The common name horehound comes from the Old English words har and hune meaning downy plant.  This description refers to the white hairs that give this plant its appearance.

Other names for this plant include eye of the star, seed of Horus, mavel, bull's blood, and houndsbane.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.