2825 Fish Hatchery Rd.
Allentown, PA
18103-9801
(610) 797-2121 -- Fax 797-2801
Internet
For 1,000 years before the Europeans arrived, the Lenni Lenape farmed the region now known as New York, eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. In fact, they are more commonly known as the Delaware Indians.
Hunters and gatherers, the Lenape consisted of three divisions: the Munsee, or Minisink, lived in the Pennsylvania Highlands and New York; the Unami, or River People, lived in the Lehigh Valley area; and the Unilatchigo, or Southern People, occupied New Jersey, Delaware, and southern Pennsylvania.
Native Americans lived much more closely in harmony with nature than did the Shouwunnok (salty people), developing strong ties to the land, water, air, plants, and animals. Thanks to Carla Messinger and Dorothy Schiavone (local Lenape descendents), and others, the important culture and heritage of these people can be enjoyed by visitors to the Museum of Indian Culture.
The Museum features a wide range of permanent and changing exhibits in a variety of media. As well as viewing the exhibits, visitors can participate in a number of educational programs and workshops.
Lenape ceremonies are performed, and several special festivals throughout the year give families and groups the opportunity to experience first hand a bit of the Lenape lifestyle through demonstrations, crafts, and activities. With corn being very much a staple of the Indians, the festivals include the Spring Corn Festival, the Roasting Ears of Corn Festival, and Time of Thanksgiving.
Researchers, serious or casual, will find a tremendous amount of material in the Resource Center and Library.
School Groups can participate in a variety of interactive Workshops and other educational services. Teachers should call for details on these, as well as Outreach Programs -- lectures, slide presentations, etc. Similar services are available for adult groups. Groups consist of 12 or more people.
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 12 - 3pm,
provided no group program is in progress. Call before going.
Group Programs delivered between 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Adults $4.00, Children $3.00. Educational Programs and Group Tours: Call for details.
Group Reservations: 8 weeks.
Lunch: Picnic area available by reservation.
Handicapped: Accessible.
Directions: Rt. 73 (Skippack Pike) North to Rt. 9 (PA Tpke NE Ext.) North to Emmaus, to Rt. 29 (Cedar Crest) North to Fish Hatchery Rd. Turn right. One block on left.
Time: 60 - 90 minutes north of Philadelphia.
Nearby: Pool Wildlife Sanctuary , Liberty Bell Shrine , Lehigh County Historical Society , Allentown Art Museum .