Fun-filled Educational Experience at the Museum of Indian Culture

Museum of Indian Culture

We recently visited this hidden treasure to tour the museum and meet some of the program instructors.  It’s in an extremely convenient location just down the road from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Fish Hatchery Road, but the property itself is quite scenic and beautiful. There is also convenient off-street parking right next to the museum.  The museum employees were kind enough to come in prior to the actual opening time of the museum to accommodate my schedule, but it is typically open from noon-4PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  However, they are also available for appointments during the week. The building itself was beautiful and interesting, and within the museum they had pictures and information about the origins of the building.  

Though my children were a little young to fully enjoy touring the museum, I found the information fascinating and believe that elementary aged or older children (as well as adults, of course) would greatly enjoy a tour.  There were two different rooms containing artifacts, replicas, and other pieces of interest.  One of the best parts, kids are allowed (and encouraged) to touch several items.  

There were instruments and tools, animal pelts, and even weapons available to be held.  My kids really enjoyed feeling the animal fur and discussing which type of animal they were touching!  In addition, a plethora of arrowheads, handmade dolls, moccasins, quilts, and much more is on display.  The tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly! They also had a small library containing an array of books and videos about Native American culture and a gift shop where patrons could purchase dream catchers or other souvenirs from their time at the museum.  

In addition to providing tours, the museum has many programs available for groups.  They provide programs for children preschool aged through college age.  These programs are $7 per child.  We met with Barry, who is responsible for the programming for younger children.  He explained that the program for young children includes storytelling and a craft, while programs for older kids include learning about the lifestyles of the early Native Americans and specifics about the tribes that lived in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  They even take children outside to get to throw an "atlatl", a large dart-like weapon.  I assure you, it seemed incredibly safe and is well supervised to ensure safety!!  Program directors at the museum will even travel to an alternate location to present one of their programs. 


All in all, we enjoyed our visit, and I would definitely consider taking a group to the Museum of Indian Culture to experience one of their programs!