Words of Our Ancestors: Revisiting IndianTown with Bonney Hartley

Join us for this fascinating talk by Bonney Hartley, Tribal Historic Preservation Manager for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, on the ongoing efforts to protect Mohican and Munsee (Lenape) cultural sites and to repatriate cultural items.

The mission of Ms. Hartley’s organization is to preserve, manage, and interpret indigenous cultural heritage.  She works from an extension office at Williams College.

Sandisfield is directly connected to people who lived here long before English colonists arrived in 1750.  For centuries Mohican villagers from an area centered around the New York/Massachusetts border came via their ancient trail (“Knox trail” today) that led directly to hunting grounds in the vicinity of Otis State Forest and Spectacle Pond.  Arrangements of stone monuments considered sacred have been identified, legacies from a vibrant indigenous society.

Their descendants are federally recognized today as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.

Proof of vaccination, masks, and social distancing required. Free; Donation suggested.

Ms. Hartley is in great demand as a representative for her community.  This is a one-time event, not to be missed.