Lenape Lifeways with Carla Messinger
Story, Dance, Traveling Exhibit, Craft and Food
SPECIAL GUEST: Carla Messinger – Cultural Heritage Educator, Author and Preservationist and Director of Native American Heritage Programs
Walk in the footsteps of our Lenape Delaware Indian ancestors! Celebrate Native American Heritage Month, connecting past and present customs in a presentation by Turtle clan descendant Carla Messinger, filled with story, traditional dance, a traveling ‘touch and feel’ exhibit of authentic artifacts, crafting and food tastes in this educational enrichment program for the whole family.
Suggestion Donation of $20 per family / $5 per person
Carla Messinger is a Native American born in Pennsylvania, descended from the Lenape people Turtle clan,and the director of Native American Heritage Programs founded in 2002. She is a Cultural Educator, historian, preservationist and author who has received extensive training and knowledge from the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, as well as many other distinguished museums, historical societies and state and local organizations. She tours and speaks extensively with her traveling exhibit at schools, libraries, festivals, and other business, educational, arts outlets. In 2022 she received Lehigh Valley’s Unsung Hero’s Award recognized and celebrated for her 25 years of service volunteering as Acting Executive Director and primary docent of Allentown’s small Lenape museum. There she presented programs and organized events on-and offsite for thousands of school children and the general public for every age and ability.
She is also the author of the 2007 award-winning children’s book “When the Shadbush Blooms” which depicts a multi-generational tale of the Lenni Lenape people engaged in activities of the past mirrored in the present such as “Planting Moon” and the “Moon of Roasting Ears of Corn” showing the enduring power of tradition and history, while also highlighting the cyclical aspect of nature. Messinger has been interviewed by The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Morning Call, and recently appeared on Bethlehem’s WDIY NPR station (88.1 FM) and on the Sunrise Show on WFMZ Channel 69 TV.