Fruitlands Museum Pow Wow at the Westborough Public Library

Helen Batchelder, Pow Wow Interpreter, from Fruitlands Museum will be leading this educational and interactive program which encourages cross-cultural understanding.  The word pow wow stems from the Algonquian word for medicine man or healer: pau wau.  The coming together of members from particular tribes or nations originated as pau waus congregated to ask the great spirit for help and they convened again to give thanks when help was received.  As time went on, pow wows were held to ask for help, to give thanks, and to gather together.

 The program covers the history of the pow wow, the types of dances and clothing that have evolved, and conveys the meaning of instruments that are used in the ceremonies.  Participants are invited to take part in the music and dance. 

The Fruitlands’ Museum website, www.fruitlands.org,  will have a link available with instructions to make your own drum that you can bring to the program.

This program is free and open to the public.  It is supported in part by a grant from the Westborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.