Miami Indian Heritage Days

May 15, 2013 Updated May 23, 2013 at 1:17 PM EDT

The Chief Richardville House was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012, only one of two in Allen County and one of only 38 in the state of Indiana.

Sponsored by the History Center, Miami Indian Heritage Days programs are held from 1-4 pm on the first Saturday of the month, June through November, and feature local artists, performers, and representatives from the Miami Indians and other Native American groups demonstrating aspects of their lasting heritage for the public to enjoy.

Admission for each Saturday event is $7 adults and $5 students and seniors. History Center members and children ages 5 and under are free. Admission also includes the opportunity to visit the Chief Richardville House.

Miami Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville built a trading empire in this area that made him the richest man in Indiana by the time of his death in 1841. His home, built in 1827, is one of the premier attractions in the Historical Society’s collection since the restoration of the building’s exterior. Today his house is recognized as the oldest Native American dwelling in the Midwest and the first Greek Revival style house in northeast Indiana.

Photos of last year’s program can be found on the History Center’s Facebook page.

June’s Miami Indian Heritage Days features Miami garments

Sue Lester will display traditional Miami Indian clothing research and fabrication at the June 1 “Miami Indian Heritage Days” at the Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne.

The season’s other programs are:

July 6, Andrew Knight--Miami Weaponry

August 3, Katrina Mitten--Miami bead work

September 7, Dani Tippman--“Miami Harvest” on edible and usable plants and materials

October 5, M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indian Alliance of Miami Indians)--wikiami building and cattail matting

November 2-3, Traders Days--Vendors, craftsmen and artists sell quality Native American items. Traders Days events are free to the public and are open Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit the website at www.fwhistorycenter.com.