Institute reschedules 45th anniversary fete

WASHINGTON — May 16 marked the Institute of American Indian Studies’ 45th anniversary. A celebration was planned, then postponed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The new date in the fall will be announced, and will include games, special puzzles, and a Native-themed dinner hosted by education coordinator, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.

The institute is also launching a social media project, “45-to-45” this summer, highlighting an interesting story that happened during each of the 45 years of the museum’s history.

According to a statement from members, Edmund “Ned” Swigart and Sidney “Sid” Hessel, founders of the Shepaug Valley Archaeological Society, dreamed of opening a museum housing artifacts from local Native sites, to show the world the wonders of Connecticut archaeology. Both recognized that indigenous peoples were — and still are — often left out of discussions about their own histories and cultures. Part of that dream was understanding the importance of including the voices and opinions of the Eastern Woodlands Native communities.

In the summer of 1971 during a family vacation, Swigart stopped at the Owasco Restored Indian Village in Auburn, NY. While there, he met Adelphena Logan, Onondaga, and the two struck an immediate friendship. Del, as her friends knew her, joined in the mission of the museum, and spent the next seven years devoted to the vision that the three of them shared.

Unfortunately, neither Hessel nor Logan lived to see what the Institute has become: Sid died in 1974, and Logan in 1978. Before her passing, Locan was able to witness and assist in the creation of early Museum programs that focused on the 12,500 years of history in Connecticut.

Swigart, however, lived to see so many wonderful events happen at the museum he helped to found. During the construction of several additions and reconstructed villages, as well as a lab and research center, Swigart was involved in the museum until his death in 2009. “His legacy and the devotion he instilled in his family and friends lives on,” members said. “As we contemplate 45 years as an institution, we remember the special influence and drives of Ned, Sid, and Del, whose memories are with us today.”

Stay in touch with the Institute of American Indian Studies at https:// www.iaismuseum.org/, on its Facebook page, or by calling 860-868-0518.

Contributed photo The Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington has postponed its 45th anniversary celebration, originally set for May 16, until the fall.