With a long weekend ahead, families can make the most of the extra time off with a mix of fun, culture and a little learning.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12, cultural institutions across Philadelphia are marking the occasion with special events, programs and promotions, giving families plenty of ways to learn about and celebrate Indigenous history and culture.
First up, The Penn Museum will mark the holiday with a free, family-friendly Firstival on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts, the celebration will invite visitors to explore Native cultures and traditions through hands-on workshops, storytelling and more. The best part? Penn is offering free admission with access to the museum’s galleries and exhibitions throughout the day as well.
The programming will begin with artist Holly Wilson, a Delaware Nation Lenape and descendant of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, who will discuss her work at 11:30 a.m. before leading an all-ages mask-making workshop at noon. Families can also head to the Native North America Gallery at 1:30 p.m. for an interactive experience (and the gallery itself features 250 cultural objects and contemporary Native art).
At 2 p.m., artist Ben Scott Miller will then lead a workshop exploring the meaning and making of Wampum bracelets and traditional jewelry. The afternoon will wrap with a 3 p.m. screening of ‘In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America’, followed by a panel with Jeremy Johnson of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and Dr. Megan C. Kassabaum, co-curator of the Native North America Gallery.
3260 South St., penn.museum
From Friday, Oct. 9 through Monday, Oct. 12, the Eastern State Penitentiary will mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day with an expanded Guide-Led Tour and Discussion exploring the impact of the criminal justice system on Indigenous people across the United States. The special daytime programming is included with admission (kiddos are free; other ticket prices are based on date and time).
2027 Fairmount Ave., easternstate.org
Looking to celebrate? Throughout the weekend at the MoAR, members of the Delaware Tribe of Indians will perform traditional Lenape social dances on the Museum’s outdoor plaza. Performances are free and open to the public, with two shows on Saturday and three each on Sunday and Monday.
Visitors can also meet living history interpreters from the Mohawk Nation or check out demonstrations with culturally meaningful objects and materials.
The Museum’s galleries will offer additional opportunities to explore Indigenous history. In ‘The Declaration’s Journey’, visitors can learn about Native nations that played significant roles during the Revolutionary War. The Museum’s Oneida Nation Gallery also explores the debate within the Oneida Indian Nation over whether to support the Revolutionary cause.
Families can also make their own symbolic wampum belts in the Museum’s Revolution Place discovery center, or check out a daily film screening of ‘The People of the Standing Stone’. Indigenous Peoples Weekend programming is included with regular Museum admission (free for kiddos).
101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
Families looking for something to do on Indigenous Peoples’ Day can head to the Please Touch Museum, which will open for a “special Monday of play” on Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org
MORE: Where to enjoy family-friendly Halloween activities in and around Philly
