June Events At IAIS

WASHINGTON — The Institute of American Indian Studies (IAIS) has two public programs coming up in June, a workshop on botanicals and its annual strawberry festival.

On Saturday, June 9, join local herbalist Lauren “Lupo” Connell for an informative and entertaining walk along the museum’s  nature trails. During the program, “Native Uses of Northeast Botanicals,” which will run from 1 to 2:30 pm, Ms Connell will identify many of the herbs, plants, and trees that grow on the Institute grounds. She will also discuss the  multiple ways Native Americans used these plants for medicinal, edible and spiritual purposes.

Cost of the program is $12 for non-members, or $10 for members. Connecticut educators may earn 0.15 CEUs by participating.

The following weekend the museum will host its annual Strawberry Festival. Celebrate the Strawberry Moon — the tie when small, fragrant and intensely flavored wild strawberries ripen in New England’s fields — on Saturday, June 16, from noon to 4 pm.

IAIS staff will be joined by the food author Dale Carson for an afternoon of traditional Algonquian stories surrounding the delicious red berry. Visitors will be invited to sample complimentary foods such as strawberry tea and strawberry upside down cake.

Native-inspired children’s activities will run from 1 to 3 pm. Strawberry plants and Strawberry Festival Recipe Books will be offered in the gift shop to commemorate the festival.

Admission will be $8 for adults and $5 for children.

IAIS is at 38 Curtis Road, off Route 199. Call 860-868-0518.