Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) is a museum and research center in rural Washington, CT. IAIS preserves through discovery and education the vitality, cultural knowledge, and traditions of Native American Peoples with a focus on Eastern Woodland Communities. Our museum exhibits feature 12,000 years of human history and lifeways though artifacts and art from across America. Visitors can experience the past first-hand with our replicated tools, instruments, and other items used in daily life located in our indoor Sachem’s longhouse classroom. The 15.5 acres of the museum’s natural surroundings contain several hiking trails, a medicinal garden, and a replicated 16th century Algonkian village. The museum collections, housed in the research center, include over 355,000 Native American artifacts and ethnographic items, two libraries, and archival records available to researchers by appointment. Museum programming includes annual festivals, various workshops, children’s programs, academic lectures, and an archaeology club that participates in excavations, performs lab work, and hosts lectures. Our education department serves over 10,000 school children annually from the tri-state area with hands-on programs and curricula aligned to Connecticut State Standards. Curious adult learners also will find numerous educational program offerings on a variety of topics. Find your adventure today.