The Institute For American Indian Studies image

The Institute For American Indian Studies

Tourist attraction Museum Library

👍👍 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. People often mention museum, American, Great, experience, history, time, tour, staff,


Address

38 Curtis Rd, Washington, CT 06793

Website

www.iaismuseum.org

Contact

(860) 868-0518

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (48 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (18) American (8) Great (7) experience (7) history (7) time (6) tour (6) staff (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Helen R. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peterson T. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annabelle T. 3 years ago on Google
    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.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James F. 4 years ago on Google
    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.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 F J. 2 years ago on Google
    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!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CaSondra S. 2 years ago on Google
    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!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbie A. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janet S. 4 years ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kendra Clapp O. 6 years ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ely Roy A. 5 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Ray R. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place, great place to learn. I love it here.there different events going on every week. They got summer camp. Today I can for green corn festival) there was even story time

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 6 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Dylan C. 5 years ago on Google
    A unique, fun learning experience. The escape room was a blast. Definitely worth a visit.

  • 5/5 SB T. 5 years ago on Google
    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!

  • 5/5 nate d. 5 years ago on Google
    Great museum! A wonderful learning experience.

  • 5/5 Jim C. 4 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Nicholas V. 11 years ago on Google
    Verry fun! Great for the entire family!

  • 4/5 Gregory M. 6 years ago on Google
    A decent place to take your 5-10 year old to

  • 5/5 Tatiana C. 6 years ago on Google
    Great place for younger kids to experience life of American Indians and try out their tools.

  • 5/5 David L. 4 years ago on Google
    Greatly exceeded expectations.

  • 1/5 Joe M. 6 years ago on Google
    Very small museum with not much in it, and way over priced. Beware of the Indian village structures look ready to fall over. I left felling like I wasted $16 and a lone drive.

  • 2/5 Joe P. 4 years ago on Google
    The place is basically a dump in my opinion

  • 5/5 Sara G. 6 years ago on Google
    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!


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