The Institute For American Indian Studies

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Worth the visit if you’re looking to learn more about Native American history in this state. Great for adults too! Our guide, Gabriel was very informative and enthusiastic! Very engaging as well. We had a wonderful time & learned a lot!

Amazing little place! We showed up unannounced for the kids to do some research and the staff was incredibly accommodating and gave us an AMAZING tour. The kids absolutley loved it and have not stopped talking about the experience. Thank you all!

This is small museum with a big heart from its crew. The crew are very professional and passionate, armed with academics and local history. It's worth the trip from NYC.

Just a small place but very interesting. My 17 yr old granddaughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Don’t just walk through yourself. Ask for a tour and learn some interesting things! Our guide is a local high school history teacher and was very knowledgeable and informative. Well worth your time and support.

A great place to visit, lots of information, friendly staff, great exhibits and lovely location. Great for kids!

Though a small place, it is loaded with a great deal to see. The staff was very informative of the exhibits. We where still looking around near closing time,. The staff did NOT give us the bums rush to get out. Very pleasant people

How have lived in Connecticut over 25 years and not known of this incredible little museum?

Nestled deep in the woods with only minimal highway signage, this modern, circular museum highlights the centuries of history of North American woodland Indians in a well designed, artifact-rich collection.

Wait for the docent-led tour. Ours was a young historian who really knew his stuff.

And don't miss the historic recreations of wooden Indian homes just a few yards up the hill. Kids will really enjoy exploring the grounds.

A must see place to visit and learn. If you've not been, then you need to make time to go. The museum is great. Outside are trails to walk and a village to visit. Go. I'll be going back. (Photo taken outside in the sunshine as I sat and thought about what I'd read and seen).

It's a peaceful and interesting place to visit. It did rain and was muddy and snow laden, but it was worth it. The museum has many artifacts. The wigwams give good picture of life in an Indian village. There is a lot for discussion with kids. Will return to learn more.

Definitely a cool museum to visit.

Great little museum with a small gift shop. The galleries are wells setup and very informative. Most information focuses on the local natives. There is a nature trail marked by the yellow paint on the trees that leads to a replica village.

The museum hosted WASHINGTON CT’s Business Association last night and announced their newly launched mission to appeal to engaging adults too! They are opening an “ESCAPE ROOM” by June’s end 2018. Call to book!

Excellent and insightful. Interesting to learn about the people who owned this land and as a non American, something I am keen to develop my knowledge on further.
Definitely need to go back as there is decent amount to see and I was a bit pushed for time.