MKIM’s Special Events are a vibrant component of our programming and offer the general public an opportunity to discover and experience Native American cultures in exceptionally engaging ways. Each year several thousand guests attend these events that feature Native American craft demonstrations, traditional music and dance performances, vendors of Native gifts and wares, and hands-on workshops. Each celebration includes games and crafts for children, traditional foods, and fun for the whole family. Event admission includes free admission to the museum galleries.  These events are open to anyone eager to learn more about Native cultures and their ongoing capacity to enrich our lives today.  Below is an overview of the events. Check back – closer-to each event – for details and schedules of activities.

Second Sunday Speaker Series        

November 2009- April 2010

Monthly presentations exploring the Native American presence in New Hampshire. Drawing upon archaeology, anthropology, and tribal oral histories, academic scholars will tell stories showing the continuum of Native American and New Hampshire history from pre-contact to present-day. Learn about:

• archaeology and anthropology as tools that can provide insight into the human condition,
• the historical interactions of the Native Americans with Europeans in New Hampshire and its impact on New Hampshire residents.  One question to be explored is why so many people are now finding out they “are part Indian,”
• contemporary issues faced by Native peoples in New Hampshire and provide a forum for discussion.

The presentations will occur during the afternoon of the second Sunday of each month from November 2009 through April 2010.  All events will be held in the Auditorium at Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum.

CELEBRATE THE EARTH
Sunday , May 2, 2010

Kickoff the 20th Season with a day of family-oriented fun activities! The festival features music, storytelling, “green” displays and interactive demonstrations.  Our goal is to celebrate spring and highlight the fact that we are a living, growing Museum, representing living cultures. Medicine Woods nature walk and the Museum Store open. Call for more information and times of demonstrations, (603) 456-2600.

TURTLE ISLAND SUMMER DAY CAMP
June 28 - August 6, 2010

Children, ages 6-13, are invited to experience Native American cultures through hands-on activities, traditional games, and explorations. Each thematic session focuses on different aspects of historical and contemporary American Indian life. Includes presentations by Native American tradition-bearers and other experts. The camp is licensed through the State of New Hampshire.  Call (456-2600) or email for a brochure now!

Click here for 2009 brochure page 1    Click here for 2009 brochure page 2

11th ANNUAL POWWOW
July 10 & 11, 2010

Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM

Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM

Family-oriented outdoor event focusing on the excitement and vibrancy of American Indian culture will include drumming, dancing, performances, kid’s crafts, and demonstrations by Native American Indians from New England and beyond.  Head dancers: Chris Bullock and Susan  Hayes (at left). Hand drum contest. Craft Competition. Food and craft vendors. Silent Auction.  Children's crafts and games. Medicine Woods nature walk and the Museum Store are open.

Click here for Printable Powwow 2010 Flyer

18th Annual Harvest Moon Festival
Sunday, September 26, 2010

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The fall is harvest time and Harvest Moon attendees are sure to reap a rich bounty of Native-style food, crafts and skills. Children and adults are invited to come and learn about Eastern Woodland crafts and survival skills through hands-on instruction. Harvest Moon activities help rekindle the connections between people and the changing seasons of the land.   A variety of activities and entertainment are planned and a Museum Tour is included in the price of an admission.   Admission for adults is $7.00, $4.00 for children ages 6 to 12, and $20.00 Family (children under 6 are free).  Admission for Museum members is $5/$3/$18.

For those seeking a culinary treat, lunch is available for purchase again this year at Grace’s Kitchen, featuring popular traditional Native foods.                          

Join us for this day of celebration, learning, and fun!

Making corn husk dolls at Harvest Moon 2008. (Photo: Richard Senor)

Event Volunteers

All of our events rely on a large number of volunteers to help them run smoothly. Volunteers gain free admission, participate in behind the scenes activities and contribute to the success of each event. It is a great way to make friends and renew friendships. Duties vary from behind the scenes help to public engagement. Volunteers are provided with guidelines and training as appropriate and may help with:

• guiding children in crafts and games
• serving specialty foods
• interpreting museum exhibits
• assisting customers in the gift shop
• greeting visitors
• helping with set up and clean up

We invite you to join us as an event volunteer. To volunteer: contact MKIM’s Volunteer Manager at 456-2600 or mkim.volunteer@tds.net. 

Event SPONSORS