Ganondagan State Historic Site offers immersive and educational programs focused on Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) culture, history, and ecology, making it an ideal destination for students to explore topics such as Native American heritage, environmental sustainability, and the historical role of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The site features a reconstructed 17th-century Seneca Bark Longhouse, where students can learn about traditional Haudenosaunee living practices, community structure, and the environmental relationship that has supported the Seneca people for centuries. The Seneca Art & Culture Center also showcases artifacts, interactive exhibits, and films like The Iroquois Creation Story, which together provide a deeper understanding of Haudenosaunee beliefs and history.
Field trips at Ganondagan can include guided tours of the Longhouse, hands-on activities like traditional crafts or planting demonstrations, and discussions on significant historical events, such as the Treaty of Canandaigua. The site also highlights the Iroquois White Corn Project, teaching students about indigenous agriculture, food sustainability, and the important role of women in Haudenosaunee food production. These programs align with curriculum areas such as history, social studies, and ecology, encouraging students to think critically about the connections between culture, environment, and sustainability.
Educators can choose from various program formats, including in-person, virtual, and outreach options. The virtual field trips introduce students to Haudenosaunee agricultural traditions and provide a virtual tour of historical agricultural sites, fostering a connection to Native American foodways even from a distance. The site’s educational offerings are supported by partnerships with local organizations, ensuring students receive a well-rounded experience that ties the historical content to present-day practices and community resilience.
These experiences, particularly relevant to civics and social studies, make Ganondagan State Historic Site a valuable resource for educators seeking culturally rich, historically accurate, and ecologically informed educational programs for students of various grade levels.
