The Legendary Lenape program is a summer 2023 series of educational gatherings for children, families and people of all ages taking place at locations around Chester County, on Saturdays or Sundays from June 24 to August 13, at varying times. We will provide information on a meeting place to people who register. 

Registration cost per session: $10 per person or $15 for a family of 4

*canoe sessions have an additional $60 per canoe cost

Here are the schedule and sign-up form:

#1 Turtle Song Session: Join us on June 24 at West Chester Friends Meeting House from 10am to 12pm to hear Chris Applegate from Allentown’s Museum of Indian Culture.  We will learn how the Lenape and other woodland tribes lived where we now call home, Chester County.  We will look at a display of Lenape tools, clothing and other furs, weapons, and a cradleboard.  West Chester Friends Meeting House: 425 N High Street, West Chester, PA 19380. 

#2 Wawaset Creek Session: Canoe with us along the Wawaset Creek (the Lenape’s name for the Brandywine) on July 2 from 8:45am to 11am.  We hope to enjoy the beauty of the Wawaset and its natural landscape while paddling along.  We will launch from Northbrook Canoe Company at 9 am. $60 per canoe, which can hold 2-3 adults OR 2 adults + 2 children ages 2-9. No children under the age of 2 allowed; children age 10+ count as adults.  We will contact you about payment and scholarships are available!  Northbrook Canoe Company: 1810 Beagle Rd, West Chester, PA 19382. 

#3 Eagle Heart Session: On July 8 from 10am-12pm, we will gather at the Birmingham Meeting House to learn about the Lenapes’ lifestyle through crafts and games.  Come hear Lenape stories and try a traditional Native American snack we know you’ll love: popcorn!  Birmingham Meeting House: 1245 Birmingham Rd, West Chester, PA 19382. 

#4 Fox Mill/Living with the Land Session: Carrie Hawk, Environmental Educator with Stroud Water Research Center, will lead us on July 15 from 10am to 12pm at Bondsville Mill Park to learn about native animals and plants.  Come see how species live around us and have adapted to our world.  We will also look at how we can adapt to live with nature, not against it.  Bondsville Mill Park: 1647 Bondsville Rd, Downingtown PA 19335. 

#5 Moose Lake Session: Join us on July 22 to enjoy a native American themed scavenger hunt and learn some Lenape vocabulary when we meet at Westtown Lake to enjoy this idyllic setting on the campus of Westtown School. Canoeing on the lake will be the highlight of the day with the program led by Tim James, former outdoor educator at Westtown School.

#6 Beaver Creek Session: On July 29 from 10am-12pm, Faith Zerbe, from Maya van Rossum’s Delaware Riverkeeper organization, will lead us in a stream study in Beaver Creek at Bondsville Mill Park.  Come enjoy a lesson in science and find all the interesting creatures that call streams their home! Bondsville Mill Park: 1647 Bondsville Rd, Downingtown PA 19335. 

#7 Drumming Bear Session: Join us at the Melton Center on August 6 from 4pm-6pm to learn how the Lenape grew their crops using the three sisters. We will also learn the basics of drumming and cooking food, like corn on the cob, clambake style.  Melton Center: 501 E Miner St, West Chester, PA 19382. 

#8 Feast of the Lenape: On August 13 from 4pm-6pm, come back to the Melton Center to celebrate the end of our sessions with a banquet of traditional Native dishes (including dessert!).  The recipes were pulled from the Mitsitam cookbook produced by the Smithsonian’s American Indian Museum and prepared by local chefs. Melton Center: 501 E Miner St, West Chester, PA 19382. 

Schedule is subject to adjustment as needed. You will be asked to fill out an agreement/disclaimer form. For overall questions, please email us here.

SIGN-UP FORM. PLEASE CHECK THE CIRCLE FOR EACH WEEK YOU WISH TO ATTEND