Experience the Summer Solstice at First Americans Museum - MetroFamily Magazine
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Experience the Summer Solstice at First Americans Museum

By First Americans Museum

by Erin Page

Reading Time: 2 minutesย 

Families can celebrate the longest day of the year at First Americans Museum’s FREE Summer Solstice event! On June 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., families and community members will enjoy dancing, cultural demonstrations and reflections while watching the sun set at the peak of the First Americans Museum Mound.

The First Americans Museum Mound was constructed as a tribute to the many Tribal Nations in Oklahoma who descend from Moundbuilder traditions. For kids and families interested in STEAM, experiencing the architectural, scientific, cosmological and cultural significance of the Mound at this unique event and throughout the summer months.

The four cardinal directions are built into the architecture of the Mound. The cyclical movement of the sun can be tracked along the Mound path during the year, making both the summer and winter solstices extra special at the Mound. During the summer solstice event, attendees will see the sun set directly on top of the Mound’s peak. Make plans to return for the winter solstice, when the sun shines directly through the tunnel in the Mound.

The Summer Solstice event will include cultural speakers, food trucks and a special performance of classical compositions from FAM Composition Academy students. These students have worked with renowned Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaahaโ€™ Tate to create their own scores during FAMcamp.

The museum galleries are open late during the event, until 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs to enjoy the outdoor activities and sun set. No outside food/drink is permitted.

Whether at the event or as part of extended summertime family fun, experience the interpretive walk up the Mound, which is a 2/3 mile round trip. The paved trail includes placards that detail the significance of Mounds as architectural, scientific, cosmological and cultural sites.

The FAM Mound is an impressive 1,000 feet in diameter and ramps up to 90 feet high at the peak. It took 45,000 semi-truckloads of earth to create the FAM Mound! When you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of Oklahoma City, as well as of the construction of OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark next door to the museum, scheduled to open in 2025.

Admission to FAM is not required to visit the Mound, which means the experience is completely FREE!

Also happening through the summer, First Americans Museum offers monthly family fun through their Sunday Fun Days, held on the third Sunday of each month with free admission for kids ages 4-12 and different family fun activities each month. While at FAM, check out the exhibits youโ€™ll want to be sure to see as a family by your kidsโ€™ ages. Plus, donโ€™t miss a walk through Chef Lorettaโ€™s Garden, supported byย Shape Your Future, a program of TSET.

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