Nehantic Heritage Day 2026

The Nehantic Native Nation and the East Lyme Historical Society invite the community to Nehantic Heritage Day 2026 on Saturday, October 3, at McCook Park in Niantic. The free community gathering will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the Nehantic homeland through ceremony, history, Indigenous culture, music, storytelling, art, archaeology, and community connection.

This year's event will take place during the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and will highlight 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, and their contributions will be remembered throughout the day's opening ceremony and historical programming.

A Morning of Ceremony and Remembrance

The day's activities will begin at 10:30 a.m., as the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps gathers and begins playing music to welcome visitors toward the point at McCook Park.

At 10:45 a.m., the opening ceremony will begin at Wigwam Rock. The ceremony will include a welcome from the Nehantic Native Nation, prayer, historical reflections on Nehantic participation in the Revolutionary War, and a reading of the names of Nehantic Revolutionary War veterans. A military salute will honor those who served, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial fire at Wigwam Rock, a moment of remembrance, and Native flute music by Strong Eagle Daly. The Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps will accompany the conclusion of the ceremony.

Dr. John Pfeiffer, Nehantic Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and historian, will provide historical context for the stories of the Nehantic Revolutionary War veterans.

A Cultural Program and Storytelling

At 1:00 p.m., the day's featured cultural program will begin with historian, educator, artist, and cultural bearer Deborah Spears Moorehead, who will explore the contributions of Native American sailors and soldiers to the cause of American independence, with particular attention to the Battle of Bunker Hill. The National Park Service has documented the participation of Native American soldiers at Bunker Hill, including members of several Indigenous communities from New England.

Following the presentation, Strong Eagle Daly will share traditional storytelling and cultural insights, with additional music and storytelling continuing into the afternoon.

“We hope people will come to Nehantic Heritage Day not simply to hear about history, but to experience the homeland itself—to listen, to learn, and to understand that this is a place with a deep and continuing Indigenous history,” said Dr. Pfeiffer. “The ceremonies, the stories, the music, the artists, and the opportunity to talk with people who care about this history all contribute to that experience.”

Explore the Nehantic Homeland

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

The Indigenous Heritage area will include Native artists and cultural participants, historical and archaeological exhibits, an artifact identification table, and an opportunity to learn more about the newly published history of the Nehantic people by Dr. John Pfeiffer.

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

A small Marketplace will feature local artists and artisans, along with food offerings for visitors.

Families will also be invited to participate in the Young Stewards Passport, a new activity encouraging children to explore the event and discover connections among history, nature, culture, and community.

Closing the Day

Following the afternoon's music, storytelling, exhibits, and activities, the public is invited to join the closing ceremony and Honor Song at approximately 3:30 p.m., bringing the day's observances to a close.

Nehantic Heritage Day is intentionally designed as a welcoming community gathering rather than a large festival. The organizers hope to create a setting where visitors can spend time listening, learning, asking questions, meeting participants, and developing a deeper appreciation for the Nehantic homeland.

“Nehantic Heritage Day is still growing,” said Dr. Pfeiffer. “Our hope is that each year we can create more opportunities for people to learn about the Nehantic homeland and the people who have been its stewards. For now, we are pleased to offer a meaningful day of ceremony, history, culture, and community.”

The opening ceremony at Wigwam Rock will take place outdoors regardless of weather. If weather conditions require it, the remainder of the day's activities will move to an indoor location to be announced.

Nehantic Heritage Day 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
McCook Park, Niantic, Connecticut

Free and open to all.