November is Native American History month and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites you to help celebrate the culture and accomplishments of Native Americans with two upcoming special programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.
“We are pleased to offer these opportunities for adults and families to participate in programs on November 4, 2011 and November 12, 2011 at our Nature Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “They are designed to help people better appreciate the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans and the Lenape people, in particular.”
On Friday, November 4, 2011 from 7:30pm - 8:45pm, adults 18 and older are invited to attend a presentation, “The Lenape-Delaware Indian Heritage.” The fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.
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This engaging lecture and slide presentation is an introduction to the Lenape-Delaware Indians who inhabited this region for 12,000 years. Archaeologist, educator and lecturer John Kraft will attempt to reconstruct the life of the Lenape-Delaware people who once populated New Jersey and the surrounding area. The program will examine Lenape daily life, their legends, art, religious beliefs, customs, traditions and system of government. The audience will have an opportunity to handle authentic and recreated objects such as masks, clothing, musical instruments and tools.
John T. Kraft, Director of Lenape Lifeways, Inc., is an author and illustrator. He has been working with the Lenape people, creating museum exhibits, consulting with editors for social studies textbooks, and lecturing on the subject for nearly 30 years. Mr. Kraft has helped discover and excavate Lenape villages and artifacts, and has added much new information about their family life, dwellings, diet, spiritual beliefs and technology.
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On Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10:00am, families with children of all ages can celebrate Native American History month during “Lenape Lifestyles,” a 45-minute program that is part of Trailside’s weekly Saturday Outdoor Adventure Series. Join a Trailside naturalist to discover who the Lenape Native Americans were and where they lived. Participants will visit Trailside’s Lenape exhibit to learn about their lifestyles and take a walk to look for plants and trees the Lenape used to help cure colds, construct wigwams and build canoes. Admission to this program is free but donations are appreciated.
For additional information on these Native American programs or on other upcoming programs and special events, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
