Full STEAM Ahead Family Day
Indigenous Life in New England
Learn about indigenous life by building a traditional wigwam
About the Presenter:
Jennifer Lee has been enjoying making bark baskets for 40 years. Her interest began with the study of her Native American ancestors of the Northeast Woodlands. She teaches basket classes and educational programs extensively. The bark roots and branches are wild harvested by her family in the Northern
Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. She’s received awards at the Mohegan Wigwam Festival, Saratoga Native American Festival, Kearsage Indian Museum, Deerfield Craft Show, and North Carolina Basketmakers Association.
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Jennifer Lee is enrolled with the Metis Nation of North America and the Northern Narragansetts. She grew up without knowledge of her Indian Ancestry. She has spent her adult life learning the true history and culture of the Northeast Woodland Indigenous Peoples. She shares what she’s learning at schools,
historic sites, and community events. Often, classes are held in her conical wigwam. She lives in the Northern Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. She spends her time with her Grandkids, gardening, berry picking, maintaining the houses she’s built, making baskets, teaching basketry, and attending as
many powwows as possible. She is grateful to the Creator for being able to follow her heart.
Jennifer Lee has been enjoying making bark baskets for 40 years. Her interest began with the study of her Native American ancestors of the Northeast Woodlands. She teaches basket classes and educational programs extensively. The bark roots and branches are wild harvested by her family in the Northern
Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. She’s received awards at the Mohegan Wigwam Festival, Saratoga Native American Festival, Kearsage Indian Museum, Deerfield Craft Show, and North Carolina Basketmakers Association.
***********************
Jennifer Lee is enrolled with the Metis Nation of North America and the Northern Narragansetts. She grew up without knowledge of her Indian Ancestry. She has spent her adult life learning the true history and culture of the Northeast Woodland Indigenous Peoples. She shares what she’s learning at schools,
historic sites, and community events. Often, classes are held in her conical wigwam. She lives in the Northern Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. She spends her time with her Grandkids, gardening, berry picking, maintaining the houses she’s built, making baskets, teaching basketry, and attending as
many powwows as possible. She is grateful to the Creator for being able to follow her heart.
Coastal Critters Family Day
Learn about what lives under the sea!
Thank you to the Seacoast Science Center for bringing their touch tank to this program!
Family Days are Free to Attend Thanks to Newburyport Bank Sponsorship
Emma Stratton, Sarah Robbitts-Terry, Kim Simmons, and Jo Ann Klatskin (Newburyport Bank) celebrate the continued sponsorship of Portsmouth Historical Society’s Family Day program.
Every second Saturday, families can flock to Portsmouth Historical Society for free, family-friendly programming. This fun and educational program recently received an additional $5,000 of support from Newburyport Bank.
After a successful pilot year, Program Manager Jenn Thibadeau is excited to expand Family Day offerings, saying: “Thanks to Newburyport Bank we will be able to bring in more educators and partner with other local organizations to provide a variety of engaging activities throughout the year.”
Each month the Historical Society selects a different theme and plans hands-on family-friendly activities based on that theme. The first Family Day of 2024 focused on gardening. Attendees learned about historic gardens and native plants and then made egg-carton greenhouses and seed balls to plant at home. Other Family Day programs include a performance by Lindsay and her Puppet Pals for a theatrical Family Day on May 11, a Doodle Day on June 15, and Colonial Lawn Games on the John Paul Jones House Lawn on July 13.
“We must never take for granted the rich history that exists within our area,” stated Lloyd L. Hamm, President & CEO of the Bank. “And by supporting the Portsmouth Historical Society, we will ensure that for future generations. By protecting and presenting our past, they play an important role in the future of our communities.”
Family Day programs are free and open to the public, while registration is recommended. Family Day programs take place at either the Historical Society, 10 Middle Street, or the John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, every second Sunday of the month.
Colonial Field Day
Join us for historic lawn games
Put down your screens, step back in time and join us for a morning of old-fashioned yard games! From bag races to Game of Graces, embrace the simplicity and timeless joy found in playing outside with family and friends.
Thank you to our sponsor Newburyport Bank for making this program FREE for everyone.