The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center to Host “Maple Moon Living Exhibition” – A Celebration of Indigenous Song, Dance & Culture 

(Mashantucket, Conn.): The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center invites the public to welcome the changing seasons at the Maple Moon Living Exhibition (Indigenous Song & Dance Market) on March 22, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This special event honors the Pequot tradition of celebrating the new year and giving thanks, offering visitors an immersive experience in indigenous culture, storytelling, song, dance, and food. Guests can enjoy family-friendly programming, maple syrup treats, mini pancakes with maple bacon, vanilla ice cream from UCONN Dairy Farm drizzled with Pequot maple syrup, and warm maple tea, all while engaging with native artisans and storytellers showcasing their crafts and talents.

Event Highlights:

• Kunâhneepamuhshâtunônak “Our Moons” Presentation – Explore the significance of the Thirteen Moons in Pequot culture.

• Sugar Shack: The Weekápaheek Project – Learn about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Agriculture Department’s rich history and how it continues to play a significant role in the production of maple syrup at the Mashantucket Sugar Shack.

• Live Maple Sugar Demonstrations – Featuring Mashantucket Pequot tribal member Gary Carter, Jr., as well as Wampanoag artist Jonathan James-Perry, who will showcase traditional tools and techniques.

• Maple Moon Paint & Learn – A creative painting experience for all ages led by Mashantucket Pequot artist Matthew Pina.

• Indigenous Song & Dance Showcase (1 PM – Auditorium) – A performance of Eastern Woodland traditional song, dance, and interpretative storytelling in celebration of Maple Thanksgiving.

This event will also feature interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. Guests can visit the Mystic Water Alliance & Wuyamu Hiking Information Tables, explore Indigenous literature at the Wetu Book Club, and participate in arts & crafts activities, including Maple Leaf Art & Origami. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in traditional storytelling, with sessions featuring “The Legend of Weekápaheek” by Matthew Pina.

Visitors can also explore the Kunâhneepamuhshâtunônak Our Moons Exhibit, open Wednesday – Saturday from 9 AM – 4 PM, free with museum admission.

For more information, visit www.pequotmuseum.org/thirteen-moons

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is a 308,000 square foot non-profit educational institution representing the history and culture of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the natural history of Southeastern Connecticut, and the richness and diversity of indigenous cultures and societies throughout North America. Spectacular exhibits and galleries span 98,000 square feet showcasing tribal cultures, science, the arts, and the abundance of local natural resources from the Ice Age to present day. Open throughout the spring, summer and fall, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and exciting events for all ages. The facility consists of permanent exhibits, the Mashantucket Gallery, classrooms, a 320-seat auditorium, a restaurant, and museum shop, while the research center houses collections, libraries, archives, and archaeology and conservation laboratories. For more information about the world’s largest Native American museum, please visit our website.