|
 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, free admission to the museum and fun for the whole family. 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.
Exhibition Opening
May 1, 2008
"Made of Thunder Made of Glass: American Indian Beadwork of the Northeast" Selections from the collection of Gerry Biron and Joanne Russo
Spring Open House
May 4, 2008
This event acknowledges the respect that American Indians have for “Mother Earth”. They honor the Earth as the provider of all things needed for survival, both historically and in the present. Demonstrations that use natural materials may include creating ash baskets, birch bark containers, or wigwams. Naturalists, artists, musicians and educators share ways that everyone can become care-givers, not just care-takers, of the natural world at MKIM’s first event of the season.
9th Inter-tribal Pow-Wow
July 12 & 13, 2008
Traditionally Pow-Wows have served as a way for distant clans and tribes to unite, trade, and celebrate. MKIM’s Inter-tribal Pow-Wow invites everyone to participate in a celebration of diversity and Native culture. Graceful and athletic dancers in colorful regalia, the smell of burning sage, the regular heart beat of drumming, intricate jewelry and decorations entice visitors to observe and participate in an important part of Native American life.
There will be a participant Feast (drummers, dancers and their families) on Saturday Night and an Informal Night Dance that evening.
For the general public, the Pow-Wow enables connection to various Native cultures and a chance to browse the vendor circle featuring 25 vendors. There will be fun, food, and crafts for the entire family and free admission to the galleries!
Exhibiton Opening
September 19, 2008
New Hampshire Firsts: The Native American Archaeology of Howard Sargent
18th Harvest Moon Festival
September 27, 2008
 
The fall is harvest time and Harvest Moon attendees are sure to reap a rich bounty of Native-style food, crafts and skills. Corn grinding, fire building, shelter construction and other traditional autumn activities are demonstrated and offered through hands-on instruction. Harvest Moon activities help rekindle the connections between people and the changing seasons of the land.
Winter Celebration
November 24 & 25, 2007
 Winter is the traditional time of story telling and gathering close to home. Come warm up in our festive gift shops where you will find unique items made by Native Americans from throughout the country. On-going demonstrations, music, storytelling and museum tours provide a welcome backdrop to a very special holiday shopping experience. Abenaki Basket Demonstrations by Liz Charlebois, Northern Drum demonstration by Black Thunder Singers and Dream Catcher demonstration by Lenny Novak. Sales in both stores. Call for more information and times of demonstration, (603) 456-2600
Special 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 456-3244 or mkim.volunteer@tds.net.
|
