Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum

This was very disappointing.
I had hoped for a solid day trip of the museum trip and a hike through the ajoining woods, but this was not it. Essentially, the entire museum is the collection of its founder Bud who, as was explained in a short video at the beginning, had a lifelong love of Native culture. There are many cool artifacts ranging from handcrafts and cooking utensils to wardrobe and weaponry, the problem is 95% of the items here are not labeled with anything explaining what is was used for or why it was symbolic to the Native people. A museum should inform and I was left several times saying «this is cool, but I wonder what is was used for». The entire trip through took me about 30 minutes.
The walking path called Medicine Woods has labeled plants with a map that is supposed to lead you to each plant with a corresponding number telling you what is was used for in Native medicine, only nothing in the woods is numbered. Essentially it was nothing more than a walk around my back yard. Maybe you would have better luck going back during a pow wow or if you like just looking at Native things, but I found it uninformative and dull and not worth my time. I would not go back.

Lemme sum up: Excellent collection, good facilities, very good day trip
If you’re looking for a place to learn, relax, and have some fun, Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum is a great place to visit. I happened upon the place years ago. Ever since then, I’ve found some time to visit now and again whenever I want to learn something new about New England.
The main building will take about an hour and a half to tear through if you are just looking at the items. I like to read placards, so I could be there all day. *chuckles* They have a terrific Native American collection that represents a little of every major region in the US. And they store things properly and with respect (pipestem and bowls separated). There are beautiful examples of beadwork, quillwork, baskets, and tools. I also appreciate the videos that are in each section to further explain the finer workings of some of the artifacts and how they were made.
If it’s a nice day out, I actually enjoy strolling the Medicine Woods more than touring the enclosed museum. The caretakers have made notes of all the local flora and what purpose they served in the Native American life. The views that you get of Mt. Kearsarge and the surrounding woodland area while walking the second half of the trail really make the day feel complete. And walking the Medicine Woods is FREE! :)
There is, of course, a gift shop. A little kitsch for the kids but also some quality handicraft, such as jewelry.
Do yourself a favor and coincide your visit with a day that they’re having a workshop or some outside festival event. Chances are there will be fry bread, buffalo burgers and chili being served. Dig in! The staff and presenters are always welcoming and happy to share their enthusiasm for conservation and preserving the heritage of the first nations that established themselves in the North East.