Seneca Dancers Singing Bill Crouse
Photo by Alex Hamer
The dancers are led by Bill Crouse in song in the new auditorium of the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, New York.

‘Dream Come True’: 10 Images from Seneca Art & Culture Center Opening

Leeanne Root
10/27/15

Ganondagan State Historic Site Manager G. Peter Jemison (Heron Clan/Seneca) calls the opening of the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan a “dream come true.” It’s something he’s been working toward personally for 30 years. The doors to the center opened on October 24, and the day included basketmaking demonstrations, Iroquois social dancing, storytelling, and the showing of the Iroquois creation story.

It was a fun day of learning and exploring the Seneca culture, history, and lifestyle.

RELATED: ‘Dream Come True’: Seneca Art and Culture Center Opens at Ganondagan

Check out how much fun everyone had:

The youngest dancer, Liam Dowdy, 2, at the grand opening festivities of the Seneca Art & Culture Center stole the crowd’s attention. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

Kids will be kids when showing their dance skills all day. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

Colorful baskets were available for purchase during the grand opening of the Seneca Art & Culture Center on October 24. These beauties were made by Robin Lazore, Mohawk, Snipe Clan Akwesasne. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

An attendee of the October 24 grand opening of the Seneca Art & Culture Center checks out the interactive longhouse exhibit in the gallery. (Photo by Leeanne Root)

Michael Galban, Ganondagan curator and content expert, explains how the Marquis de Denonville raided the Seneca village in 1687. (Photo by Leeanne Root)

Storyteller Tonia Loran-GalBan, Bear Clan Awkwesane, wowed the crowd with her tales. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

These girls are all ready to dance in the new auditorium of the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

Michael Galban, Ganondagan curator and content expert, explains some facets of everyday Seneca life at Ganondagan in the 17th century to an attendee at the grand opening of the Seneca Art & Culture Center on October 24. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

Apparently joining in every dance tired Liam Dowdy, 2, right out. (Photo by Alex Hamer)

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Leeanne Root
Ganondagan State Historic Site
American Indian History
Seneca
Seneca Art & Culture Center
Native American Education
Peter Jemison