October 4-31: Streaming exhibition from the VSW archives

The Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, NY is a National Historic Landmark built on the original site of a 17th century Seneca town that existed there peacefully more than 350 years ago. Founded in 1987, the current site spans nearly 600 acres, and is the only New York State Historic Site dedicated to a Native American theme, and the only Seneca town developed and interpreted in the United States. Over the past 37 years, Ganondagan has grown to include a Seneca Bark Longhouse, which invites visitors to learn about Haudenosaunee life in the 17th century as well the present, and a Seneca Art & Cultural center, which includes exhibition space, an auditorium and a theater designed to tell the story of Haudenosaunee contributions to art, culture, and society. 

For the month of October, we will feature a selection of recently digitized videotapes from the VSW archives that feature Ganondagan. These tapes were made in 1988 by local videographers for broadcast on cable access television’s TV Dinner program, and feature exclusive interviews with Ganondagan elders, artists, and interpretive staff, as well as gatherings and celebrations at the site. The videotapes were selected for this program by current Ganondagan interpretive staff Ansley Jemison and Kristin Asche, who have provided contextual annotation to the videos. To celebrate Indigenous People’s Day on October 14th, we will release a video of elders and interpreters in discussion of Ganondagan’s deep past, vibrant present and unfolding future.

The VSW Salon is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts and by the ArtWorks program of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Commentary on “Native American” by TV Dinner (2024)

In this video, Ganondagan staff Ansley Jemison (Cultural Liason) and Kristin Asche (Interpretive Programs Assistant) sit with Peter Jemison (Founding Ganondagan Site Manager) and review the 1988 video “TV Dinner: Native American Program.” The 1988 program features Ganondagan and includes interviews with Peter Jemison shortly after the founding of the site. As they watch, Ansley, Kristin and Peter take time to converse and provide commentary on the program, giving insight and historical context.

Shot and edited by Ansley Jemison, October 2024

© Ansley Jemison

TV Dinner Native American Program (1988)

This episode of TV Dinner opens with Peter Jemison, an artist and site-manager of Ganondagan, explains the history of his people and why preservation of their culture is important. Discussion of history, beliefs, education, and social issues of the Haudenosaunee people. Scenes from the Native American Center for Living Arts aka The Turtle in Niagara Falls.

Walking Tour of Ganondagan with Peter Jemison (1988)

This unedited tape documents interviews with interpretive guides, founding site manager Peter Jemison, and footage of the beautiful land at the Ganondagan historic site. This footage pre-dates the construction of the Bark Longhouse and Seneca Art & Cultural Center.

Ganondagan One Year Anniversary (1988)

Footage of activities at Ganondagan State Historic Site. Includes scenes from a public event with examples of traditional dances, songs, food, and clothing.