The Nehantic Native Nation and the East Lyme Historical Society invite you to join us for Nehantic Heritage Day 2026, a community gathering honoring the history, culture, and enduring presence of the Nehantic people.

Spend part of your day experiencing the Nehantic homeland through ceremony, history, Indigenous culture, music, storytelling, art, archaeology, and community connection. Come for the opening ceremony, stay for the stories and music, meet artists and cultural participants, explore exhibits, enjoy local food and handmade work, or bring your children to take part in the Young Stewards activities.

This Year's Story: The Nehantics and the American Revolution

As communities throughout the nation commemorate America's 250th anniversary, this year's featured program focuses on an important chapter in Nehantic history: the participation of Nehantic men in the American Revolution.

More than 25 known Nehantic men served during the Revolutionary War. Their stories will be honored during the morning's ceremonial program and explored through the day's historical and cultural presentations.

A Day of Ceremony, History & Culture

At 10:45 a.m., the opening ceremony at the point overlooking Wigwam Rock will include a welcome from the Nehantic Native Nation, prayer, historical reflections, a reading of the names of Nehantic Revolutionary War veterans, a military salute, the lighting of the ceremonial fire, a moment of remembrance, Nipmuck flautist Strong Eagle Daly, and music by the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps.

At 1:00 p.m., Wampanoag/Pocasset historian, educator, artist, and culture bearer Deborah Spears Moorehead will present a program exploring the contributions of Native American sailors and soldiers to the cause of American independence, with particular attention to the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The afternoon will continue with traditional storytelling, music, and opportunities to explore the day's exhibits and activities, followed by a public closing ceremony and Honor Song.

Explore the Nehantic Homeland

From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., a small gathering of Indigenous cultural participants, historians, archaeologists, artists, artisans, and community organizations will be available to meet with visitors.

Indigenous Heritage
Discover Native artwork, cultural traditions, local history, archaeology, and the stories of the people who have called this homeland home.

Stewards of the Land
Meet community organizations whose work reflects a commitment to preserving the natural and cultural resources of the Nehantic homeland.

Marketplace
Browse a selection of work from local artists and artisans and enjoy food from participating vendors.

Young Stewards Passport
Children and families can explore the event through hands-on activities designed to encourage curiosity about history, nature, culture, and the place we call home.

Come Experience the Nehantic Homeland

Nehantic Heritage Day is intentionally a welcoming community gathering. It is an opportunity to slow down, listen, learn, meet people, and experience a place with a deep and continuing Indigenous history.

Come for an hour or stay for the day.

Come listen. Come learn. Come explore.

Experience the Nehantic Homeland.

Nehantic Heritage Day 2026
Saturday, October 3 • 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
McCook Park, Niantic, Connecticut
Free and open to all

Check out LymeLine's coverage of the event and interview with Dr. Pfeiffer!

Learn more about the Nehantic Native Nation and the Nehantic homeland.

Are you a local artist, artisan, food vendor, conservation organization, historical society, educational group or nonprofit who focuses on caring for natural and cultural resources, or Native artists, cultural educator, historian, archaeologist, or author? Interested in participating? Learn more on the Participant Information page and apply today!