February school break often has families wondering how to keep their kids occupied. Ganondagan has the answer with its February Fun Week, Tuesday, February 19 through Friday, February 22, with different participatory learning experiences daily between 10 am-4 pm.
- A different “Make-and-Take” activity (window ornaments, paper beads, 3 Sisters paper crops, clay animals, 19th-century paper “beadwork” bag) is offered daily. Each is paired with a traditional story. 10 am and 3 pm.
- In Games, Dance & Songs, Bill Crouse (Seneca) leads a different participatory presentation including hoop dancing, intertribal hand games, bone dice game, and Seneca singing. 11:30 am and 2 pm.
- Back by popular demand is “Furry Friends & Animal Tales” bringing traditional storytelling to life. After hearing a related animal story, participants make their own 16” plush animals to take home. 1 pm, Wednesday, February 20 and Friday, February 22. Website pre-registration and separate fee required. $18/general; $15/Friends of Ganondagan members.
In addition to the Iroquois Creation Story film and the Seneca Art & Culture Center Gallery exhibits, these ongoing activities will be offered daily from 10 am - 4 pm, unless otherwise noted:
White Tail Deer: visitors are welcome to look at and touch items on the display table demonstrating traditional uses of the Whitetail Deer. A docent will be present to answer questions.
Wampum Learning Center: numerous wampum belts will be on display. Visitors will learn how wampum was made, its uses, and then design their own wampum belt. Most suitable for 4th grade and up.
Gallery Scavenger Hunt: This Seneca Art & Culture scavenger hunt will help children learn new things about history and material culture. Those who finish will earn a prize.
All activities except the “Furry Friends & Animal Tales” are included in winter admission to the Seneca Art & Culture Center: $6/adults; $3/seniors & students (12 years-college); $1/children 5-11; free/children four and younger and Friends of Ganondagan members.