Let’s explore the rich Native American heritage of the Lower Susquehanna River region through museum interpretation, artifact education, archaeology-based discussion, cultural demonstrations, and guided exploration of the Indian Steps Museum grounds. Indian Steps Museum provides a unique setting for exploring thousands of years of Indigenous history, cultural traditions, lifeways, and archaeological evidence from the Susquehanna River valley.
We will begin with the backstory of John Edward Vandersloot and the development of Indian Steps Cabin, and a self-tour the museum. Moving to the exterior of the cabin, we will explore the folk art embedded mosaics and petrographs within the surrounding cultural landscape. Learn how early artisans created Indian Steps from a “white man’s lens.”
After our picnic lunch, we’ll move to the Council House for a presentation and demonstration by Debbie Saylor, curator, who will explore Native American material culture. Discussion will include Native pottery traditions, and a clay pottery demonstration, including clay preparation, vessel construction, decoration, firing methods, and the importance of pottery in daily life.
A stone tool demonstration and artifact discussion will follow with a discussion of stone tools, projectile points, and archaeological interpretation. Participants will learn how archaeologists study artifacts to better understand technology, subsistence, and cultural history.
The Indian Steps Museum occupies land where early people carved steps in the riverbank to fish for shad over 10,000 years ago. The area was a popular destination for early settlers to collect items such as arrows and spearheads made by those original inhabitants, the Algonquians, and later by the Susquehannocks, and the last tribe there, the Shawnee. This original cabin was built in 1912 by John Edward Vandersloot, a York, PA, attorney with a passion for Native American culture. Since the 1940s, Indian Steps has operated as a public museum and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1990. It is currently owned by the Conservation Society of York County.
- Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
