Celebrate Wampanoag Heritage Day This Saturday in Sandwich

This Saturday, July 30, the family is in store for an unforgettable celebration in Sandwich.

Wampanoag Heritage Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Museums and Gardens on Grove Street in Sandwich. There will be timed ticketing with entry between 10 a.m. and noon and noon and 2 p.m.

"The biggest draw is a performance by the Wampanoag Tribe Singers and Dancers, who'll also encourage you to interact and learn the cool dance moves," explained Liz Fort, Manager of Public Programs.

The true story of the Wampanoag people is one of the most important local stories we can have our children learn about, and this is a chance to do so directly from the source.

"The family will learn about the historic wetu, and get involved with hands-on activities, corn husk doll making, crafts, and beading on the community loom project," Fort said.

Have you ever tasted traditional and contemporary Wampanoag cuisine? Chef John Marcellino of The Station Grill will prepare original dishes for purchase (cash and Venmo only). There's something for everyone.

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Is what we learned in school about the first Thanksgiving accurate history?

"The storybook reading we're doing with author Danielle Hill, who wrote Keepunumuk Weeachumun's Thanksgiving Story will be a great way to learn a little bit more about that," Fort said.

Heritage Museums and Gardens has partnered with Smoke Signals, a group that reminds us about the fact that we are not just talking history here.

"It goes way beyond that because the tribe is here thriving. It goes past history because the tribe is living and breathing with us today," Fort said.

This is the second year and promises to be a very well-attended celebration. In addition to all of the Wampanoag Heritage Day festivities, all three galleries, Hidden Hollow, and the gardens will also be open for visitors to explore.

All Wampanoag Heritage Day activities and performances are included with admission or membership. Purchase or reserve tickets in advance on the Heritage Museums and Gardens website.