Marshall J. Becker, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania
English, Swedish and Dutch Colonists Meet the Indians of Southern New Jersey: The Historical and Archaeological Evidence
The lives of the early traders and colonists who came to southern New Jersey, whether Dutch, Swedish or English, were closely tied to the "original people" who had been here for thousands of years. How these peoples interacted in the 17th century, and what changes took place in each of their cultures, are revealed by recent historical and archaeological studies. This slide-illustrated lecture looks at these interactions which set the stage for the development of the State and also for the migration of some American Indians west into Pennsylvania.
Beverly A. Friend
Protégé of James Lone Bear Revey, American Indian Council of New Jersey
Lenape Culture: An Introduction to American Indian Life in New Jersey
The Lenape occupied New Jersey, southeastern New York, eastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware at the time of European exploration and colonization. This lecture presents a variety of authentic artifacts, crafts and clothing to explain Lenape daily life, beliefs, history and creative expression. It also explains the special relationships between the people, the animals and the forest preceding contact with Europeans. The speaker, of Cherokee heritage, can make her presentation in American Indian attire.
Twig Johnson
Curator of Native American Art, The Montclair Art Museum
American Indian Art and Culture
This lecture surveys the various American Indian cultures and their arts. For thousands of years, American Indians have been producing art that defines their world. The creation of items such as household implements, baskets, ceramics, clothing, weapons and hunting items illustrates not only their artistic talent but also their respect for nature, religion and everyday life. By using examples from the Montclair Art Museum’s fine collection, this lecture illustrates the enduing traditions of American Indian art.
Twig Johnson
Curator of Native American Art, The Montclair Art Museum
Anasazi to Zuni: American Indian Cultures of the Southwest
This lecture surveys the various tribes of the Southwest from the prehistoric to the present, concentrating on Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Discussion includes the art, social organization, impact of European cultures and present-day social concerns. Slides from the Montclair Art Museum collection, as well as examples from the speaker’s personal collection, will be shown.
Twig Johnson
Curator of Native American Art, The Montclair Art Museum
The Hand and the Spirit: Women and Art in the American Indian Society
For thousands of years American Indian women have been producing most of the art that defines their world. This presentation surveys the various cultural areas of the United States and examines the art created by mostly anonymous American Indian women who, in producing objects for everyday use, created an artistic and historical legacy that continues to be handed down through generations.
John T. Kraft
Independent lecturer in Archaeology/Anthropology
The Lenape or Delaware Indians
This presentation is an introduction to the Lenape or Delaware Indians. It examines the Indian way of life in New Jersey from earliest times to contact with European explorers and settlers. The slide-illustrated lecture, combined with folklore and a hands-on collection of prehistoric artifacts, traditional clothing, arts and crafts, musical instruments and weapons, offers a glimpse into Lenape life.
Helen Rende, Ph.D.
Commissioner, New Jersey Department of State Commission on American Indian Affairs
American Indian Clothing
Learn about various traditional clothing styles, both before and after the arrival of Europeans by viewing and discussing a doll display and related books. Althought the focus will be on Iroquois (Northeast) clothing, after European contact other dolls include an Ojibway Jingle Dress Dancer, a small Seminole female made from bark, and Tlingit from the Northwest Coast (Alaska).
Helen Rende, Ph.D.
Commissioner, New Jersey Department of State Commission on American Indian Affairs
American Indians: Current Issues
This presentation focuses on the 1990 blockade at the Kahnawake Mohawk Reserve in Quebec, Canada, that saw the Canadian Army landing troops by helicopter on the Reserve. The program includes a video presentation and a brief discussion on other current issues in the private sector and at federal, state, and local government levels.
Helen Rende, Ph.D.
Commissioner, New Jersey Department of State Commission on American Indian Affairs
Unlearning American Indian Stereotypes
American Indian or Native American? It matters! This program will focus on American Indians today, their life styles and beliefs, and the preservation of language and culture. It will examine why mascots are harmful and painful. The presentation includes a display of clothing and other cultural articles.
