Onchiota, Franklin County
Iroquois Mohawk Museum
It’s hard to find but worth the trip.
A few miles from the hamlet of Onchiota which is a few miles from Route 30 in Gabriels, a simple rectangular building right next to the road is the home of one of the finest collections of Iroquois artifacts and contemporary Mohawk artwork to be found anywhere. Created by Ray Fadden, a committed teacher and student of Iroquois culture, on his family property, the building is deceptive, for it actually is a replica of a typical longhouse, the community religious and social center of Mohawk traditions. Mr. Fadden and his wife Christine, their son John and wife Eva and their sons have maintained this private, family-owned-and operated museum since its founding.
Inside the museum you will see a variety of baskets, headdresses, garments, pottery, silver work, and amazing beadwork. Most important, you will have an opportunity for a personal interpretive tour of the whole museum, including interesting woodlands exhibits adjacent to the main building, given by John or some other family member.
This feature on the Six Nations Indian Museum with John Fadden, was produced in 2018 as part of a series of “Video Visits” in celebration of the 25th anniversary of TAUNY’s North Country Heritage Awards.