News release from the History Center:
Miami Indian Heritage Days Season events
The Chief Richardville House was named a National Historic Landmark this past year, only one of two in Allen County and one of only 38 in the state of Indiana.
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.
June 1, Sue Lester will display traditional Miami clothing research and fabrication.
Andrew Knight, a new presenter at Miami Indian Heritage Days, will feature Miami Weaponry on July 6.
The August 3 program by Katrina Mitten will feature Miami bead work.
September 7, Dani Tippman presents “Miami Harvest” on edible and usable plants and materials.
M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indian Alliance of Miami Indians) will present programs on October 5 about wikiami building and cattail matting.
November 2-3 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. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Miami Chief Jean Baptiste de 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. Today his house is recognized as the oldest Native American dwelling in the Midwest and the first Greek Revival style house in northeast Indiana.
Photos of last year’s programs can be found on the History Center’s Facebook page.
For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website at www.fwhistorycenter.com.