Akwesasne Cultural Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Akwesasne Cultural Center |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Type | Public library system of community of Akwesasne. |
| Location | 321 State Rte 37, Hogansburg, New York |
| Coordinates | 44°58′44″N 74°41′37″W / 44.978823°N 74.69369°W |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | business directories, phone books, maps, government publications, books, periodicals, genealogy, local history, |
| Size | 2,000 photographic objects; 700 ethnographic objects, of which over 300 are baskets; 28,000 books. The Native Collection of 2,400 volumes. |
| Criteria for collection | about the Mohawk Nation community of Akwesasne. |
The Akwesasne Cultural Center is a special place that has both a library and a museum. It's all about the Mohawk Nation community of Akwesasne. This center helps keep the history and culture of the Mohawk people alive.
Contents
Discover the Akwesasne Cultural Center
The Akwesasne Cultural Center is located at 321 State Route 37 in Hogansburg, New York. It's a key spot for learning about the Mohawk people and their traditions. The center first opened its doors in 1971.
What You'll Find Inside
The center is home to two main parts: a library and a museum. Both are filled with amazing things that tell the story of the Akwesasne community.
The Library Collection
The Akwesasne Library was very important when it opened in 1971. It was the first Native American Library east of the Mississippi River. This means it was a pioneer in offering library services specifically for Native American communities in that part of the country.
- Books and More: The library has a huge collection of over 28,000 books.
- Online Resources: It's also part of the "Clinton, Essex, Franklin County (CEF) library system." This connection gives visitors access to many online resources.
- Native Collection: One of its most special parts is the Native Collection. This collection has over 2,400 books and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern New York. It focuses on the history, culture, and stories of Native American people, especially the Mohawk Nation.
The Museum's Treasures
The museum at the Akwesasne Cultural Center is like a time capsule. It holds many objects that show how the Mohawk people lived and created.
- Photographs: There are about 2,000 old photographs. These pictures offer a glimpse into the past, showing people, places, and events from the Akwesasne community.
- Cultural Objects: The museum also has over 700 ethnographic objects. These are items made and used by people from a specific culture. They help us understand daily life and traditions.
- Basketry: A very important part of the museum's collection is its baskets. Over 300 of the cultural objects are baskets.
Special Mohawk Baskets
Baskets made from black ash splint and sweetgrass are very important to the Akwesasne Mohawk identity.
- Traditional Craft: Making these baskets is a traditional craft passed down through generations.
- Materials: Black ash trees provide the wood splints, and sweetgrass adds a unique scent and texture.
- Cultural Meaning: These baskets are not just useful items; they are also works of art that represent the history, skills, and spirit of the Mohawk people.
