Celebrate Wampanoag Culture At Cape Cod National Seashore At The Opening Of A Traditional Dwelling

If you are visiting Cape Cod on June 3, 2023, there is a community-wide cultural event that you will not want to miss. The town of Truro, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Truro Historical Society will be holding a festive celebration in honor of a special collaborative project. The festival will center around the dedication of a wetu, a traditional Wampanoag dwelling.

The Wampanoag were the first inhabitants of the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts. They spent time hunting, farming, and fishing the land which is now part of the Truro Highlands Historical District.

The wetu was created by Wampanoag artist, Annawon Weeden, who is also a performer and Director of the First Light Foundation. The traditional dwelling honors the legacy of the Wampanoag Nation.

The festivities start at 10 a.m. at Truro’s Highland House. The family-friendly event includes cultural demonstrations, native art and crafts, and indigenous games.

Corn husk doll creation and kite flying are a few of the fun family-friendly activities that will be taking place at the event.

You can also enjoy performances by the Eastern Sun Drummers and the Wampanoag Singers and Dancers.

Indigenous artist, Linda Coombs will be one of several event speakers.

The Highland House Museum will be open and free to the public during the celebration. This historic property was once a popular summer resort built in 1907.

The museum hosts some fantastic exhibits about the indigenous people who once lived in the area.

While you are in the area, you will definitely want to take a walk along the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore.

The shore offers 40 miles of diverse landscapes, so there is lots to see.

The nearby Highland Lighthouse is also a great spot to visit. This brick structure is known as Cape Cod’s first lighthouse. The tour of the lighthouse is spectacular.

Kids must be 48 inches or taller to take the tour. There are activities available for younger kids.

To learn more about the wetu dedication, please visit the Cape Cod National Seashore website or the Cape Cod National Seashore Facebook page. Do you know of other festive activities taking place in the area? If you are planning to spend the day in the area, be sure to check out the many Cape Cod National Seashore's diverse landscapes.