The Institute For American Indian Studies - Washington, Connecticut

Kyle H.

A wonderful museum in the woods with authentic displays (indoors and out), knowledgeable and friendly staff, great trails to hike and lots of great events to learn about the important history of the first people to live here! The Maple Sugar Festival in March was a wonderful event with an excellent presentation by Susan, a most learned Educator and geared towards all ages.

Peterson T.

Too often I judge a museum by the quality of its cafe, so what was I to do with The Institute For American Indian Studies and it's lack of a cafe Fortunately they possess two other elements that I find essential for a museum worth visiting: A fine collection that is thoughtfully displayed, and an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and friendly staff.

Not only did I learn from the exhibits and the displays, but various staff members approach my party and asked if we had any questions. One of us had many questions, in fact he flows with questions, yet he never exhausted the staff members.

The exhibits are excellent, the facility is well maintained, and the warmth from the staff made us feel truly welcome.

But they really could do with a nice cozy cafe.

Annabelle T.

Such a lovely museum to visit. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. This museum is literally in the woods and gives you a real feel of what life could have looked like for American Indians. The displays are well put together and informative. They have many events that take place. I went to dream catchers class. It was a great activity for a newly engaged couple for our new home.

Michael R.

A must see! Thank you to Gabriel Benjamin for great tour! Very informative.

James F.

During our most recent road trip we just happened upon The Institute For American Indian Studies museum and research center. CT resident for over 60 years, never heard of this wonderful cultural center. Very nice examples and displays on how the native Americans lived their simple , sustainable life. tSome trails , none to long, but just enough to give you a nice walk and see how their simple way of living off of what was supplied by nature. How they used tree bark and branches to construct sheltered places to meet and live in. Many explanations of how certain trees and their leaves, roots and bark were used for both medicinal and everyday consumption.This was all in about 30 minuets, we could not stay longer because we had to be somewhere else, but will return to tour the museum portion, looks incredible. What a beautiful peaceful place to visit. Great place to bring the kids, hands on , in the woods experience. There is a Wigwam escape room on site, that requires a reservation and about 1 hour to complete. Staff was very friendly and took the time to inform us to upcoming events.

Janet S.

Amazing museum Native American Museum that traces the history of the indigenous peoples of Connecticut. This museum has more than more than 6,000 post European contact items and over 300,000 archaeological artifacts that represent hundreds of Native American societies throughout the Western Hemisphere. Many special programs are also offered. Highlights include the Green Corn Festival in August and maple sugaring in March, both events are really fun and educational. Friendly, knowledgeable, hard working staff. The outdoor village, a 16th century recreation of an Algonquin Village is also a highlight.

Helen R.

We really enjoyed our time touring the museum, Robin was a great tour guide, happy to answer all our questions. We learned a lot! Definitely check out the long houses out behind the museum! Really neat.

CaSondra S.

Great little museum with nice grounds. We got a guided tour when we came in and learned a lot about the history of humans in Connecticut, pre and post European colonization. Loved the quahog shell wampum and it was fun reading all of the locations exhibits were found. There was a porcupine quilted box from Mackinaw Island, near where I grew up!