Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1997 |
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| Location | 414 Main Street Mashpee, MA 02649 |
| Type | Cultural center |
The Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum is a special place in Mashpee, a town in Massachusetts, United States. It is a cultural center, which means it helps people learn about the history, traditions, and art of a certain group. This museum focuses on the Wampanoag people.
The town of Mashpee is home to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. This tribe is one of two groups of Wampanoag people that the United States government officially recognizes. Being "federally recognized" means the tribe has a special relationship with the government.
The museum grounds are also important. They include the historic Avant House. You can also find the Mill Pond Herring Ladder here. This is a special structure on the Mashpee River that helps fish like herring swim upstream to lay their eggs.
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What is the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum?
The Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum is a place where visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. It helps share their stories and traditions with everyone. The museum is located in Mashpee, a town with deep roots in Wampanoag history.
How Did the Museum Start?
The idea for this museum came from Amelia Peters Bingham, who was very passionate about it. She first thought of creating the museum back in 1970. It took many years for the dream to come true.
In 1997, the building that now houses the museum was officially given to the Wampanoag Tribal Council. This happened after a special meeting of the Mashpee town government. Everyone at the meeting voted "yes" to transfer the building.
National Recognition for the Museum Site
Since 1999, the museum site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list helps protect the site and recognize its value.
Exploring the Museum Grounds
The land around the museum is just as interesting as the museum itself. It offers a look at both history and nature.
The Historic Avant House
One of the key features on the museum grounds is the Avant House. This old house has its own story and is part of the historical importance of the site. It helps visitors imagine what life was like in the past.
The Mill Pond Herring Ladder
Another important feature is the Mill Pond Herring Ladder. This is a Fish ladder built on the Mashpee River. A fish ladder is like a set of steps or ramps that helps fish swim around dams or other barriers in a river. This ladder helps herring, a type of fish, move upstream to their spawning grounds. This is a great example of how people can help protect nature.
