Maple syrup workshops teach sweet traditions

The Institute of American Indian Studies is holding new two-part, in-person outdoor maple sugar workshops Feb. 20 and 27.

This hands-on workshop is perfect for people that want to learn about the history of this sweet tradition as well as the ins and outs of making maple syrup, according to a statement. The two-part workshop is part of the Institute's Winter Survival Program taught by Susan Scherf, an educator at the Institute.

At the Feb. 20 workshop, “The Sweet Taste of Success,” one-hour time slots run from 11 am.. to 4 p.m. for groups of 20 people per session. Participants will learn the basics of modern maple syrup production.

This workshop is designed for backyard hobby producers that want to start collecting sap for their own enjoyment. Participants will learn proper tree identification, how to prepare the tree for the tapping season, tree health and why and when sap flows. The final lesson teaches the tapping process, what to look for, and what to avoid, and examples of the different methods of collecting and boiling sap. There will also be a discussion on the impact of climate change on maple syrup production.

The second workshop Feb. 27, “The History of a Sweet Tradition”, also has one-hour time slots run from 11 am.. to 4 p.m. for groups of 20 people per session. It teaches the history of maple syrup as it was produced and enjoyed through the centuries, starting with a demonstration of the traditional techniques including the collection of and boiling down of sap into maple syrup used by Native Americans living in the Eastern Woodlands.

he demonstration will include different traditional technologies used for the collection and boiling process in order to gain an understanding of what methods were used and why. A highlight of the program involves the history of this sweet tradition, as participants gather around the fire in the Indian village and listen to traditional Native American stories about maple syrup that have been handed down from generation to generation.

To sign up, go to Eventbrite or email the museum at events@iaismuseum.org. Cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for children, and $5 for members. For information, call the museum at 860-868-0518. All reservations must be made in advance, as space is limited.

The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road.

IAIS / Contributed photos A new two-part, in-person outdoor maple sugar workshops are set for Feb. 20 and 27 at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington.