Victor, NY— This year, Friends of Ganondagan has created a new focus for its annual Living History Event on Saturday, September 26, and it is imbued with activities for all ages surrounding important Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) cultural ideals. These include women’s rights, food sovereignty, democracy, and the vital message of peace. The events begin at 10:00 am and run through 4:00 pm at Ganondagan State Historic Site.

Nationally recognized lecturer, author and interpreter of women’s rights, Sally Roesch Wagner will join Eel Clan Mother, Jeanne Shenandoah (Onondaga), to share the broad influence of Haudenosaunee women on the development of the Women’s Rights Movement, democracy and social justice.

Children and adults also will learn the profound impact of the Haudenosaunee on the principles of peace and freedom. Ganondagan State Historic Site Manager Peter Jemison (Seneca) will relate the fascinating story of the Peacemaker and share how his teachings used the power of reason to ensure righteousness, justice, and health. The Great Law of Peace was a major influencer on freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right of women to participate in government.

Living history wouldn’t be complete without including the traditional food culture. Participants will have hands-on opportunities to wash, pound and sift the heirloom Iroquois White Corn in many traditional processes kept alive today.  Traditionally, protein rich Iroquois White Corn was eaten at almost every meal. Easily stored and preserved, corn was dried for later use as hominy and ground into corn flour using mortars and pestles. As Native American people work to reclaim their power in the food system, they are rebuilding their relationship between people and the land, bringing their indigenous food back into their diet.

Admission prices are: $5/adults; $3/seniors (62+), students (ages 6-18), and Friends of Ganondagan members; free/children 5 and younger. For further information, call 585-742-1690 or visit www.ganondagan.org. This event is made possible in part by a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation.  

CALENDAR:

What: Ganondagan’s Living History Event: Focus on Women’s Rights, Food Sovereignty, Democracy and the Message of Peace

When: Saturday, September 26; 10 am to 4 pm.

Where: Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor, NY

Info: www.ganondagan.org or call 585-742-1690

Admission: $5/adults; $3/seniors, students (6-18) and members. Free for children 5 and younger.

Amy Blum amyblumpr@gmail.com (585) 425-1864