Reminders of Native American Life in Westford
This special event will feature several speakers and a 1-day display of a spectacular local Native American artifact collection. Visitors are welcome to come and go at any time during the afternoon. The story telling and hands-on history activities are appropriate for children as well as adults. Speakers will include Westford resident Cori Ryan, and Darlene Kascak from the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT and a member of the Schaghticoke Tribe.
Following a brief reception, Cori Ryan will present “The Mystery of the Grassy Pond Stone Circle,” which is a site here in Westford. “Finding the Stone Circle took me on a journey that led back 8000 years,” said Ryan. “It also connected me to people from different tribes, each who shared a unique perspective on the origin of the Stone Circle. I want to share this experience with others, encourage thought about the stones’ connection to people of the past, connection to people in the present, and share what I have learned so that they can draw their own conclusions on the remaining mysteries of the Stone Circle.”
The opening talk will be followed by a Q&A session, some storytelling, and a show and tell along with a family oriented talk on Native American life in the past.
Throughout the afternoon, a special exhibition will be on display upstairs in the Museum. The artifacts, dating as far back as 6000 years ago, were found here in Westford in the 1970s and are held in a private collection. This is the first time they will be on display publicly. The exhibition will also include information on other stone structures in Westford, offering theories about their history, and will encourage visitors to consider their thoughts on the structures.
This event was made possible by a grant from IBM.
The event runs from 1pm to 4 pm. Admission is free. Refreshments will be provided.