blueprint of iroquois village inside the palisades

A Blueprint of an Iroquois Village Inside the Palisades

As you exit at number 22, you'll find yourself headed towards Howe Caverns, with its white signage on the hillside serving as a guiding beacon. Take in the breathtaking views of the southern Adirondack Mountains as you merge onto I-88 west, one of New York State's most scenic routes. This detour from the Thruway is lightly traveled and offers a chance to unwind and connect with history.

As you stand within the recreated longhouse, you can't help but feel a sense of connection to generations past. The Seneca-Onondaga term for the Iroquois, Haudenosaunee, translates to 'the People building a Longhouse.' As your eyes adjust to the dim light, take in the intricate details that make this longhouse come alive. Gourds dangle from the sapling frame, built-in sleeping bunks line the sides, and a fire pit sits beneath an opening in the roof – all lashed together with bark strips.

Listen closely, and you'll be drawn into the recorded stories of an old woman, transporting you to a time when the Iroquois built longhouses as both homes for extended matrilineal families and sites for ceremonial gatherings. Take a moment to appreciate the impressive replica of a Mohawk longhouse standing in a back corner of the museum.

This blueprint of an Iroquois village inside the palisades offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Haudenosaunee people, inviting visitors to step into their world and experience the sights, sounds, and stories that have shaped their traditions.

Blueprint of iroquois village inside the palisades