08/19/2021
Ganondagan’s Peter Jemison Brings Traditional Iroquois Creation Story as Theme of 2021 Middlesex Heritage Group’s 29th Seneca Heritage Day
The Middlesex Heritage Group’s (MHG) annual Seneca Heritage Day returns for its 29th annual celebratory event on Saturday, September 4 with Ganondagan State Historic Site Manager Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan) as its special honoree and guest speaker. The event is free and open to the public, and runs 2-4 pm under a tent outside the Overackers Corners Schoolhouse, Route 364 and North Vine Valley Road, in Middlesex.
PeterJemison. Photo by Ronnie Farley
“We are thrilled to have Peter Jemison as this year’s guest speaker to talk about the Iroquois Creation Story and its significance, and to honor him for his years of service and cooperation” said Middlesex Heritage Group President David Charland. MHG Vice President Paul Mitchell will be the event’s emcee.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to watch Bill Crouse (Seneca) leading the popular Allegany River Dancers—in full regalia—to share their traditional Haudenosaunee music and dance. Free ice cream sundaes will be served and water will be provided.
The Middlesex Heritage Group coordinates and partially funds Seneca Heritage Day to honor and remember the original people who lived in and walked the hills and valleys of what is now called “Middlesex.” The small, volunteer group records and disseminates the area’s history through meetings, a quarterly newsletter, and community events. Additional event funding is provided by the Mitchell Community Family Leadership Fund, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, and the Town of Middlesex. Representatives of each group will give brief comments at the event.
The traditional bonfire on Bare Hill signifying the “Ring of Fire” surrounding Canandaigua Lake will commence at approximately 8 pm following the afternoon festivities.
