Center to preserve American Indian culture

WYALUSING -- In 1999, Eastern Delaware Nations purchased property on Route 6 near Wyalusing including scenic overlook "Wyalusing Rocks." This overlook, 500 feet above the Susquehanna River, is featured in National Geographic's "Geotourism Map of Appalachia." It is known by many Eastern American Indians as "Prayer Rocks."

The building on the property, used as a Council House/Museum, began to deteriorate. In 2003, Eastern Delaware Nations completed a strategic plan addressing this problem, organizational development, and other projects, with funding from an Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) grant and private donations.

Funds to hire an architect were awarded in 2004 by EMHR and the Allen F. Pierce Foundation. Campbell Architects LLC of Williamsport began work in 2005 to create building and site plans, which are nearly complete. Environmental issues to reduce the 'footprint' of the building's impact on the environment, and lower energy costs are addressed throughout building and site designs.

The new Cultural Center is designed to face east, but will capitalize on the western view as well. The central portion will be a multi-purpose open space adaptable to a variety of activities and events. Architectural drawings are complete and the site plan will be completed in 2010.

The center also will serve as the hub of Eastern Delaware Nations activities. Quarterly Council Meetings and Ceremony will be held there throughout the year. The building will house the group's collection of artwork and artifacts, and a resource library including genealogical research materials. A living history village, where visitors can gain hands-on experience with everyday skills such as fire making, tracking, weaving and corn grinding, is planned adjacent to the Cultural Center.
    
The Cultural Center will offer a new interpretation of American Indian presence, history, culture and contributions in the Endless Mountains Region. Visitors will be able to find information about other places to explore, from historic sites and museums with specific types of collections, to upcoming events such as seminars, workshops and pow-wows.

The facility will be open regularly to the public. Periodic academic conferences, seminars, and workshops on American Indian culture, history, genealogy, agriculture and crafts are planned.

We invite you to participate as we enter the construction phase of this project. Eastern Delaware Nations is a 501c3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Any amount is appreciated. If you would like to designate your donation as a Memorial Gift please provide the correct spelling of the person's name you wish to honor. Names of honorees will be included on a plaque displayed in the building.

Corporate and other funding sponsers will be acknowledged on site during construction, included in publicity, and recognized on a plaque displayed in the entryway.

To donate send a check or money order made out to: Eastern Delaware Nations. Please specify in the memo if it is for the building project, and if it is a memorial gift. Send to:
John Taffe
Treasurer, Eastern Delaware Nations
RR 4 Box 4366
Dushore, PA. 18614

If you have questions please contact:

Mollie Eliot
3 Morgan Circle
Troy PA 16947
quest12@epix.net