Nehantic Heritage Day to Explore Native American Role in Revolutionary War, Oct. 3

EAST LYME, CT – Nehantic Heritage Day 2026 will honor the service of more than 25 Nehantic men known to have served in the American Revolution when the free community event returns for its sixth year on Saturday, Oct. 3, at McCook Point Park.

The event, hosted by Nehantic Native Nation and the East Lyme Historical Society, will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

John Pfeiffer, Ph.D., Nehantic Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and historian, will provide historical context about the veterans and Native American participation in the Revolution during a 10:45 a.m. ceremony at the point overlooking Wigwam Rock.

“The American Revolution was a profound moment in the history of the Nehantic people, and we want to remember the men who served while also placing their experiences within the much larger story of Native American participation in the struggle for independence,” he said in a news release.

The opening ceremony will include a reading of the names of more than 25 known Nehantic veterans. A military salute and ceremonial fire will follow, along with Nipmuc flute music by Strong Eagle Daly and music from the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps.

At 1 p.m., Pokanoket Wampanoag historian and educator Deborah Spears Moorehead will discuss the contributions of Native American sailors and soldiers, with particular attention to the Battle of Bunker Hill. The National Park Service has documented Native American participation in the battle, including soldiers from several New England Indigenous communities.

Nehantic Heritage Day will also feature Indigenous artists and artisans, historical and archaeological exhibits, an artifact identification table, music and storytelling. Families can also participate in a Young Stewards Passport activity focused on history, nature, culture and community.

Strong Eagle “Many Feathers” Daly, a member of the Nipmuc Tribe, will give two performances during the afternoon. He will play traditional flute music from 12:15 to 12:40 p.m. at the amphitheater, then return from 2 to 2:40 p.m. for storytelling, cultural insights and flute music.

Connecticut Impressionist artist Leif Nilsson will be stationed throughout the event at a vantage point overlooking Wigwam Rock while painting the scene en plein air.

Participating artists, artisans and organizations include Jennifer Lee, a Northern Narragansett educator and bark basket maker; Evan Pritchard, founder of the Center for Algonquin Culture; Eva Wunnehteou Newell and Gianna Wise Owl Guydus, who create beadwork jewelry, mosaics, featherwork and baskets; Darlene Bruce, who creates wampum and shell jewelry; Ojibwe artist and musician Allan Madahbee; belt weaver and candle maker Briana Tobey; leatherworker Anthony Darling, who makes custom moccasins; woodworker Ben Kelley; and textile artist Eve O’Connor.

Local organizations taking part include the East Lyme Historical Society, Lyme Land Trust, Salem Land Trust, Old Lyme Land Trust, Old Lyme Conservation Commission and Old Lyme Open Space.

Pfeiffer promised an immersive experience.

“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,” he said.

The day will conclude with a closing ceremony and Honor Song at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The opening ceremony will be held outdoors regardless of weather. Other activities will move indoors if necessary.

Nehantic Heritage Day is free and open to the public.