Children’s Museum at Saratoga celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Saratoga Springs, NY (News10) — This Columbus Day, which many refer to as Indigenous Peoples Day, the Children’s Museum of Saratoga created a slate of activities to teach children and their families about the history of local indigenous tribes.

“It’s about creating a foundational education for kids about a group of people who have been here far longer than any of us have, the Haudenosaunee, and giving them a chance to learn about their history and culture,” said Briana Sullivan, the director of education for the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.

You may recognize the other name of The Haudenosaunee — the Iroquois. At the museum, families experienced their history by making clay pinch pots. Sullivan, said she chose the clay pinch pot activity because pottery making is a key part of early and modern Haudenosaunee culture.

“They’re learning those different methods behind pottery making and then what kind of styles would they be decorated in, in early history here in New York State,” said Sullivan. “So they’re getting a little bit of archaeology and history and culture, and having a chance to learn about modern artists from the Haudenosaunee group.”

Even though school is closed, these hands-on activities allow children to experience the culture first-hand where they can “continue to learn but, in museum style, learning through play,” said Sullivan.

Saratoga Springs Mom Bryana Christel brought her children, Ian and Logan, to the museum to expand their horizons.  

“I wouldn’t necessarily know how to teach them how to make clay pots. Ian might learn it in school, but Logan, he’s not in school yet,” she said. “They definitely learn things that I can’t teach them at home.”

And the learning isn’t just for the kids.

“Sometimes, for a lot of adults walking in, this is the first time they’ve heard this be referred to as Indigenous People’s Day, as well.”

The museum will offer another slate of programming next month when school is off in November.