Loyalty and Zeal: Algonkians of the Revolution
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 · Drop-in, 2pm - 4pm
Where: Weston History & Culture Center: 104 Weston Rd. Weston, CT ( Parking and entrance accessed from High Acre Rd. Tickets and Check-in Visitor's Center)
A free, family-friendly outdoor program. Visitors stopped by anytime between 2pm and 4pm.
Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, a citizen of the Pocomoke Indian Nation, was at the Weston History & Culture Center on Sunday, October 4, 2026 between 2pm - 4pm. At his demonstration station he discussed the contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Algonkian peoples during the War of American Independence.
Visitors learned about the material culture of Algonkian people during the revolution as well as trade, and heard about the complex political paths of patriotism, toryism and neutrality that shaped the history of many Algonkian and Iroquoian people in order to preserve their ways of life.
Drew brings artifacts and reproduction pieces as well as dresses in traditional clothing, bringing history to life. He encourages the audience to ask questions.
This event was part of the “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series” co-sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library, The Weston History & Culture Center and the League of Women Voters of Weston, with support from the Weston America 250 Advisory Group.
About the Presenter: Drew Shuptar-Rayvis (Pekatawas MakataweU “Black Corn”) holds a cum laude Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology from Western Connecticut State University and a Certificate Degree in Archaeology from Norwalk Community College. A true American of the mid-Atlantic region, his family includes indigenous Pocomoke heritage, Pennsylvania Dutch, Welsh, Swiss, English, Scots Irish, Boyko Ukrainian and Ashkenazic Jewish, he honors all of his ancestors as a practicing living historian and regularly participates in colonial era reenactments, interpretations, and public educational events. He works diligently in the research and preservation of the Eastern Woodland languages, particularly Renape, southern Unami and Nanticoke, and is educated in the many European languages at use in the Colonial Period. He was the first garden manager of Western Connecticut State University’s Permaculture Garden and practices Native horticulture.
In 2021, Drew was elected by his Paramount Chief Norris Howard Senior and Council member Norris Howard Junior as Cultural Ambassador of the Pocomoke Indian Nation of Maryland. In 2023, Drew was hired as a research and preservation specialist with Maryland State Archives where he worked to record oral histories, life ways and traditions of Marylands eastern shore tribal communities. Drew also serves as the Algonkian historical consultant for the New Amsterdam History Center of NYC where he writes numerous articles on 17th century Algonkian culture.