Nipmuc culture in Massachusetts

Tantiusques is a historic park and tourist attraction located at 493 Leadmine Road in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, United States. Visitors can follow a loop trail through quiet woodlands and explore the site of a former lead mine that was used by Indigenous peoples and later by European settlers. The name "Tantiusques" comes from a Nipmuc word meaning "to a black deposit between two hills," reflecting the site's history as one of New England's first mines. The Nipmuc tribe originally mined graphite at Tantiusques to make paints, and in 1644, John Winthrop, Jr. purchased the mine with hopes of extracting lead and iron. The site has a rich history, with Frederick Tudor shipping around 30 tons of graphite per year to Boston between 1829 and 1860. Visitors can explore the mine cut along the ridge, which is a partially filled-in trench that once followed the vein of graphite.

Welcome to Jacob’s Garden, a vibrant new initiative nestled at 358 George Carter Road, Becket, Massachusetts. In collaboration with Adam Weinert and Brett Perry of The Dancing Farmer, LLC, Jacob’s Garden serves as both a working farm and a living archive, embodying a deep connection between dance, history, and sustainability. Inspired by Ted Shawn’s original 1931 “friendship garden,” this 1.5-acre space is a testament to shared cultivation and community engagement. Jacob’s Garden is more than just a place to grow fruits and vegetables; it is a hub where dancers and audiences come together to explore the rich histories of Jacob’s Pillow and envision a sustainable future. Our early-summer inaugural event featured a powerful Earth offering by Kristen Wyman (Nipmuc) of Eastern Woodland Rematriation and a dynamic performance by Orlando Zane Hunter Jr. and Ricarrdo Valentine of the acclaimed Brother(hood) Dance! These performances highlighted the intersection of Black Liberation and agrarianism, celebrating land ownership and stewardship through dance.

Welcome to St. John's Episcopal Church, a vibrant and inclusive place of worship located at 6 South Street, Ashfield, Massachusetts. As a community of faith, we gather to worship and share in God's mission on the unceded land of the Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Wabanaki peoples. We acknowledge that our blessings have come at the cost of their sorrow, and we are committed to growing in our awareness of racial injustice with God's guidance. At St. John's, we strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals can explore and deepen their spiritual journey. Our services and events are designed to foster connection, reflection, and action in the pursuit of justice and peace.