Allentown, Pa. ~ the Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd., Allentown, PA 18103 welcomes families to SATURDAYS AT THE MUSEUM, a series of special programs / lifeways demonstrations offered that celebrates the culture and heritage of this nation’s First Peoples.

Although shell beads have been around for thousands of years, the cylindrical white and purple beads we recognize as wampum were only produced after European contact.  Steel tools made drilling the long, small diameter holes possible.  These beads held more value than their beauty.  Colonists used them as currency.  Native communities used them to commemorate significant events or send messages.

On Saturday, September 12, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., primitive lifeways specialist, Christine Applegate will explore the history and production of the beads from whelk and quahog shells and the techniques to weave them into belts.  Try your hand using a pump drill to make a shell bead

Admission includes demonstration and museum tour: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children 12-17, and children under 12 are free.

For more information, please call the museum at 610-797-2121 or email info@museumofindianculture.org. Also visit our website at museumofindianculture.org.

Please see the “events” section of our website at museumofindianculture.org for listing of other demonstrations and programs. See you on Saturdays!

 

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Pat Rivera, Executive Director
Museum of Indian Culture
2825 Fish Hatchery Road
Allentown, PA 18103

 

 

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