NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
March 14, 2007
Media Contact:
Katherine A. Renfrew
Assistant Director, Portsmouth Museums 757-393-8983, Ext. 22
renfrewk@portsmouthva.govCelebrate Native American Heritage Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 at all the Portsmouth Museums
PORTSMOUTH – Have you ever wondered what life was like for Native Americans in Virginia over 400 years ago? Join the Portsmouth Museums and experience the history and cultural heritage of the first Americans through the performing arts, demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on activities.
Learn about Native American music and dance from Cherokee myth-keeper and recording artist, Red Hawk, at the Children's Museum of Virginia. Dance and sing with Red Hawk in a performance designed for children of all ages. Wearing his traditional ribbon shirt instead of full regalia, Red Hawk’s program will also help dispel cultural stereotypes. Children will have a chance to put their imaginations to work by forming their own totems and dream catchers. The creation of story sticks and tribal drums will offer children the opportunity to shape their own stories in the traditional Native American fashion.
The Courthouse Galleries will feature Native American dancers in full regalia and Host Drum Colorblind (Creator's Eye). Demonstrations will be held throughout the day, including arrowhead flint napping, basketry and pottery. Make a mandala and learn traditional beading. On display at the Courthouse Galleries are two exhibits that highlight Native American art and culture, By Native Hands: Native American Baskets and Early Images of Virginia Indians: The William W. Cole Collection. The day will end with a closing song and dance.
See Native American artifacts displayed in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum's permanent exhibits. Learn about the early tools used by Native Americans, then make your own. Discover the art of traditional Native American boat making at the Lightship Portsmouth and explore the lightship through a guided tour.
Students will have the opportunity to pick up a passport, and after visiting all four museums will receive a prize at their final stop. All programs are included in the regular museum admission fee. Key Passes, which allow for admission to all museums for one price, are available for $9.00 per adult and $6.00 per child. For more information, call 757-393-8983.Schedule of Events and Activities
Native American Heritage Day
Saturday, March 24, 2007
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.Children's Museum of Virginia
1:30 p.m. Young Audiences of Virginia’ Red Hawk will be performing The Heartbeat of My People.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tidewater Native American Support Group’s Lillian Casper will be performing Native American Storytelling
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Crafts and Demonstrations - Totems, dream catchers, story sticks, and tribal drums
Courthouse Galleries
11 a.m. Grand Entry, Honor Song, Veterans' Dance, Intertribal
12:30 p.m. Native American dancers in full regalia and Host Drum Colorblind (Creator's Eye)
3 p.m. Demonstrations - arrowhead flint napping, pottery and basketry
4 p.m. Grand Entry, Intertribal, Closing Song
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Crafts and Demonstrations - mandalas, beading, arrowhead flint napping, pottery, basketry
Exhibits By Native Hands: Native American Baskets and Early Images of Virginia Indians: The William W. Collection
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Craft - Make your own Native American tools
Exhibit Tar & Timber, Port & River
Lightship Portsmouth
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Craft - Make your own Native American boat
*Students will have the opportunity to pick up a passport, and after visiting all four museums will receive a prize at their final stop.