Abenaki Tribal Museum - Swanton, Vermont

Abenaki Tribal Museum - Swanton, Vermont

Come to Swanton and see the museum that shows the history of the Abenaki Tribe from centuries ago.  The museum is located next to their tribal headquarters and welcomes visitors to learn about their culture and history.

The tribal home for the Abenaki for thousands of years has centered on the Masipskiwibi (Missisquoi, "Crooked River") River in Northwestern Vermont.  The traditional homeland for the tribe is Wobanakik ("Place of the Dawn"), what is now called Northern New England and Southern Quebec.

The tribe has a Pow Wow (called Dances of Heritage Day) on Memorial Day weekend.  This is a great event to visit but know that you may not take pictures during the Grand Entry which is the opening dance for the celebration.  All the Native Americans are dressed in full regalia for this event.  It is a colorful, beautiful dance that will have you enthralled.

There are a number of dances preformed during the event, some honoring those that have served in the armed forces in various wars and a Veteran's Dance where everyone is expected to stand to show their respect during the dance.  There is also an Honor Dance to honor a specific person.  There is also a dance where the spectators are invited to participate, even in street cloths but you must be wearing shoes.  This should be placed on your itinerary since it is truly a beautiful event.

The museum opened its doors in 1998 and is the focus of Native pride and activity in Northwestern Vermont since is inception.  It shows the Abenaki cultural activities, original artifacts and some reproductions of historic artifacts, augmented by modern Abenaki craft arts.

Location: 100 Grand Ave., Swanton, Vermont 50488

Phone: 802-868-2559

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 - 4.

Email: sogomo@comcast.net