Artist Jeff Kalin poses in front of a longhouse he built that is similar to the one being built at Fruitlands.(Courtesy photo)

Visitors to the annual Native American event scheduled at Fruitlands Museum this weekend may feel as though they have traveled back in time as they watch the latest addition to the museum come to life: a Native American longhouse is being created at the top of the hill overlooking the former home of Bronson Alcott and his family.

Longhouses were built by native people using centuries-old building techniques and materials. The Fruitlands longhouse will be designed and fabricated by artist Jeff Kalin and his wife Judy of Primitive Technologies from Bethlehem, Conn. Jeff and Judy have spent the last 25 years creating more than 250 native reproduction structures for schools and museums all over the nation. They have also replicated Native American pottery, tools, arrow heads, and knives that are displayed in the Fruitlands Native American Gallery.

According to Jeff, the term "longhouse" was more than likely derived from European settlers. "Native American tribes like the Nipmucs and Wampanoags would have used language such as wetu to describe the building," he says. "That is one of the reasons why a project like this is so vital. It helps overcome the stereotypical idea of Native culture and brings it to life. Not all American Indians lived in tipis."

A longhouse is an elongated permanent pole structure that is constructed of fresh green wood poles and strips of bark and has openings at either end. It can range in size from 60 to 100 feet in length and 18 feet in height and width and can take weeks to build. It is a truly utilitarian architectural concept. Communities designed it with versatility in mind. It could be used for housing multiple family units, for communal events, or religious purposes. As it evolved over time, it would be made strong enough to endure the harsh New England winters.

The longhouse is considered to be an important addition to the Fruitlands educational program. Museum curator Dr. Mike Volmar says, "We have worked closely with local Native Americans to represent their history in our Native American Gallery. Having a longhouse at Fruitlands creates a great place to bring families and school groups to experience past lifeways in the region. It will act like a classroom space for educational programming related to our Native American collection and exhibits."

Fruitlands CEO Tim Firment agrees. "This structure is a continuation of our dedication to our core mission of bringing families to the museum," he says. "It enables us to give a true educational experience. Children gravitate to the Native American Gallery. Now they can see the more typical lifestyle of Native Americans in New England."

The longhouse was funded by grants received from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation and from the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Both organizations support historical and archival preservation and the arts in our region. Jeff and Judy expect the longhouse to be completed by the end of October—weather permitting.

This weekend, guests attending the Fruitlands' annual Native American weekend, will have the opportunity to meet the Kalins and watch their flint-making demonstration and can view exhibits of their art and craftwork. Other activities include craft-making, with members of the United Native American Cultural Center of Devens, guided tours of the Fruitlands Native American hunting ground, and a powwow for kids. The event is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information about this event can be found at fruitlands.org or by calling the museum at 978-456-3924.