Press release from The History Center:
Traditional Miami Indian clothing and dancing featured at Chief Richardville Home for June’s Miami Indian Heritage Days
“Miami Indian Heritage Days” presents the second in a series of summer events open to the public on Saturday, June 5 at the Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne.
Sue Lester will display traditional Miami clothing research and fabrication.
In addition, Mary Tippmann will perform traditional Miami dance. Tippmann was the 2007 Head Lady for the Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow.
Sponsored by the History Center, Miami Indian Heritage Days programs are held from 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month, May through November, and feature local artists, performers, and representatives from the Miami Indians and other Native American groups demonstrating aspects of their lasting heritage for the public to enjoy.
Admission for each Saturday event is $7 adults and $5 students and seniors. History Center members and children ages 5 and under are free.
Admission also includes the opportunity to visit the Chief Richardville House. The home, built by Miami Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville, is recognized as the oldest Native American dwelling in the Midwest and the first Greek Revival style house in northeast Indiana.
Richardville built a trading empire in this area that made him the richest man in Indiana by the time of his death in 1841. His home, built in 1827, is one of the premier attractions in the Historical Society’s collection since the restoration of the building’s exterior.
July 3, Erik Vosteen, one of the region’s leading authorities on ancient lifeways, will demonstrate the use and construction of traditional Great Lakes pottery, stone crafts and tools.
The August 7 program by Katrina Mitten will feature Native American bead work.
September 4, Dani Tippman presents “Miami Harvest” on edible and usable plants and materials.
M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indiana Alliance of Miami Indians) will present programs on October 2 about traditional wikiami building and cattail matting.
November 6 and 7 is Traders Days. Vendors, craftsmen and artists sell quality Native American items including fine art, gourd work, beading, carved wood pieces, corn husk dolls, Christmas ornaments, Native American shields, jewelry, clothing, feather work, homemade baked goods and more.
Traders Days events are free to the public and are open Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website at www.fwhistorycenter.com.
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