The Institute For American Indian Studies - Washington, Connecticut

Peterson Toscano

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.

Daniel Yeager

My family and I were watching a PBS special that mentioned this museum and we decided to make the drive to check it out last week. As most of the reviewers mention, the staff was unbelievable.
We arrived at opening time on Sunday and Domingo, simply a coincidence for my bilingual readers, led us on tour giving detailed accounts and a ton of context and historical nuggets throughout the gallery. They had an impressive collection of artifacts and a well documented historical overview of the natives and their histories.
I highly recommend a visit. The area is charming so you can certainly make a day out of checking out this part of the state.

James Fox

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.

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.

Kendra Clapp Olguín

We had such an amazing time at IAIS! We had traveled to so many colonial historical spots in East Coast and felt that there was this void in our experience in terms of learning about the native people, their history, and their communities today. IAIS provided just that and more. Darlene was so engaging and informative, she truly made our experience!! We highly recommend supporting and visiting IAIS when visiting the area/East Coast! PS. We were towing a 25' travel trailer and parked in their bus parking area in which we were able to turn around in, however, it wasn't terribly busy and don't know if we could have done so if they had been. I'd recommend calling ahead and asking about room if you're towing! Also bring bug spray if you're walking their trail.

Janet Serra

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.

CaSondra Stinson

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!