The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs where students can explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons and hands-on learning exercises. Each month will feature a practice that relates to Native American culture; participants will explore the history and cultural meaning behind each practice while engaging in an activity related to that practice.

Join us on Saturday, January 27th at 10 a.m. for a program and activity about Native American Jewelry.

Jewelry is an important form of art and culture for many Native American tribes. In the past and today, jewelry making is passed down as a cultural practice and is used for adornment and individual and familial identification. The art is made with a variety of different mediums. Historically, jewelry was made of natural materials, such as shells and nuts which were carved into beads. As trading with Europeans increased, beading became more popular. The stories of the Native American peoples were reflected as symbols of design onto the beaded jewelry.  Today, art jewelry is made from metals, seeds, nuts, stone, fish bone, as well as synthetic beads. It is shared to preserve the artistic and cultural practice  from teacher to student within families and groups, or worn in cultural identification and celebration.  Join us for a short informational presentation on the art of Native American jewelry making past and present. After the presentation, students will have the opportunity to create their own beaded jewelry, which they can take home or share as part of our youth education exhibit.    

This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. The Florence Indian Mound Museum is located at 1028 S. Court St. Florence, AL, and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 256-760-6427 for more information.