Aquinnah Cultural Center facts for kids
 |
|
| Established | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Location | 35 Aquinnah Circle Aquinnah, MA 02535 United States |
| Type | History |
The Aquinnah Cultural Center (ACC) is a special place in Aquinnah, Massachusetts. It's a museum and learning center that works to keep the history and culture of the Aquinnah Wampanoag people alive. This center helps everyone learn about their important contributions on Martha's Vineyard.
Contents
Discovering the Aquinnah Cultural Center
The Aquinnah Cultural Center is a non-profit organization. This means it's not run for money, but to help the community. It focuses on sharing the rich history and traditions of the Aquinnah Wampanoag people.
What is the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe?
The Aquinnah Wampanoag are a Native American tribe. They have lived on Martha's Vineyard for thousands of years. Their history is deeply connected to the land and sea.
History of the Center
The Aquinnah Cultural Center was started in 1998. It was created to make sure the stories and traditions of the Aquinnah Wampanoag people would be remembered and shared.
The Edwin DeVries Vanderhoop Homestead
In 2006, a very old house became the home of the ACC. This house is called the Edwin DeVries Vanderhoop Homestead. It was built in 1890 by a man named Edwin DeVries Vanderhoop. He was part Wampanoag and part Surinamese American.
This historic house was carefully fixed up. Now, it serves as the main building for the Aquinnah Cultural Center. It's a great example of local history.
Location Near Gay Head Light
The ACC is located in a beautiful spot. It's very close to the famous Gay Head Light. This lighthouse is a well-known landmark on Martha's Vineyard. The center also sits near the amazing Gay Head Cliffs.
The Aquinnah Cultural Center is also home to the Aquinnah Wampanoag Museum. This museum has many items that tell the story of the tribe.
The Center's Important Mission
The main goal of the Aquinnah Cultural Center is very important. They want to:
- Preserve: Keep the art, history, and culture of the Aquinnah Wampanoag safe for the future.
- Educate: Teach people about the tribe's past, present, and future.
- Document: Record and collect information about their traditions and contributions.
This mission helps everyone understand and appreciate the Aquinnah Wampanoag people. It shows how their culture has shaped the area.
