for Educators

The Hodinöšyö:nih (Haudenosaunee)

Grades 4-8 | Immerse yourself in learning about Hodinöšyö:nih culture and leave with a better understanding of the people who have belonged to this land for many centuries.

  • Museum & Science Center, Virtual
  • Guided Exhibit Workshops, RMSC Delivers: Experiences at Your Site, Virtual Experiences
  • 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
  • Social Studies
2025 RMSC Exhibit

Guided Exhibit Tour, RMSC Delivers, or Virtual Experience

Discover the rich culture-past and present- of the Hodinöšyö:nih (hoe-dee-no-SHOW-nee) people. Join us in following their story and exploring the culture’s connection with the land that is now New York state, oral histories, The Great Law of Peace, and so much more! Discuss how the Hodinöšyö:nih maintain their cultural identity and traditions across our community today.

Learn more about contemporary Hodinöšyö:nih artist and how common objects and materials have significant meanings while also looking at the continuity of their culture, communities, and oral histories in today’s society. 

Add-on workshops are now available! Want to dive deeper into any specific Hodinöšyö:nih art? Add Want to learn more about the Hodinöšyö:nih artists of today? Book an additional workshop to extend the tour materials. Experience hands-on activities and be ready to challenge yourself artistically.

                  Weaving & Basket Making: Learn more about the work of Tonia Loran Galban (Akwesasne Mohawk, Bear Clan), basketry artist. Discover how different materials affect the weaving process, how those materials are threatened, and make your own colorful woven paper wallet or bookmark based on Tonia’s work. 

                  Antler Carving: learn more about the work of Hayden Haynes (Seneca Nation of Indians, Deer Clan) bone and antler carving artist. Take time to see and feel the materials used to carve intricate bone antlers and challenge yourself to carve ivory soap into your own design using some of Hayden’s techniques!

                Pottery: Learn more about the work of Katsitsionni Fox (Akwesasne Mohawk, Bear Clan), filmmaker and pottery artist. Hear about the techniques of cooking with pottery, the ins and outs of traditional foodways, and create your own pot out of model magic, shells, and sand.

For digital programs, our educators will work with your classroom to determine which platform works best to facilitate this experience.

Thanks to The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and Vision Auto Group for their support of the RMSC Delivers program!

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Connects with-
New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) & Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

(Social Studies) 

  • 4.2b Native American groups developed specific patterns of organization and governance to manage their societies.
  • 4.2c Each Native American group developed a unique way of life with a shared set of customs, beliefs, and values.
  • 5.1c Early peoples living together in settlements developed shared cultures with customs, beliefs, values, and languages that give identity to the group. These early peoples also developed patterns of organization and governance to manage their societies.

Alternative Standards Available Upon Request:

  • 11.10 b Individuals, diverse groups, and organizations have sought to bring about change in American society through a variety of methods., and values.
    •  Native Americans (e.g., American Indian Movement, Russell Means, native identity, sovereignty, and land claims)

 

(Arts)

  • VA:Pr6.1.3 a. Identify and explain how different cultures record and illustrate stories and history of life through art.

General NYS Arts standards applications:

  • VA:Pr4.1.4  Analyze how technologies have affected the preservation and presentation of artwork. 
  • VA:Pr6.1 Objects, artifacts, and artworks collected, preserved, or presented communicate meaning and function as a record of social, cultural, and political experiences; resulting in the and experiences; resulting in the  cultivating of appreciation and understanding.
  • VA:Cn.11 Investigate ways that artistic work is influenced by societal, cultural, and historical context and, in turn, how artistic ideas shape cultures past, present, and future.

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Guest Services
  • Phone: 585.697.1942
  • Email: gr****************@**sc.org

When Is It?

  • Days Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Start Date: 09/15/2026
  • End Date: 06/26/2027
  • Program Length: 50 min or 90 min.
  • Earliest Start Time: 10am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
  • Minimum Attendance: 15
  • Maximum Attendance: 25

How Much Does It Cost?

  • In-person: $10/student to visit, plus $6/student for hands-on program OR $11/student for the workshop & hands-on program.

    All teachers and school personnel are free.

    All non-school adult chaperones are $10/person at each location. We recommend a ratio of 1 adult per 5 students.

    RMSC adult members are free

    EBT card holders qualify for the Museums for All discount for Museum & Science Center field trips. $3/adult card holder

    Virtual: $150 for 1-30 people per session
  • Minimum Student Charge: 15 students