Interview with Aurelius Piper
IntervieweeInterview with
Aurelius H. Piper Sr.
Paugussett, 1916 - 2008
InterviewerInterviewed by
Lynne Williamson
Date1991
Mediumreformatted digital file from audio cassette
DimensionsDuration (tape 1, side 1): 47 Minutes, 28 Seconds
Duration (tape 1, side 2): 47 Minutes, 56 Seconds
Duration (tape 2, side 1): 47 Minutes, 33 Seconds
Duration (tape 2, side 2): 26 Minutes, 49 Seconds
Duration (total runtime): 2 Hours, 50 Minutes, 2 Seconds
Duration (tape 1, side 2): 47 Minutes, 56 Seconds
Duration (tape 2, side 1): 47 Minutes, 33 Seconds
Duration (tape 2, side 2): 26 Minutes, 49 Seconds
Duration (total runtime): 2 Hours, 50 Minutes, 2 Seconds
ClassificationsInformation Artifacts
Credit LineConnecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collections
DescriptionTwo audio cassette tape recordings of an interview with Aurelius Piper. He was interviewed by Lynne Williamson and Ruth Glasser on May 2, 1991 and May 14, 1991. Tape 1 was recorded on May 2, 1991. Tape 2 was recorded on May 2, 1991 and May 14, 1991. The interview was recorded as part of a Native American Elders from Connecticut project with the American Indian Archaeology Institute (now known as the Institute for American Indian Studies) in Washington, Connecticut.
2015.196.793.1a-d: tape 1 two digital files, tape information sheet, and cassette tape
2015.196.793.2a-d: tape 2 two digital files, tape information sheet, and cassette tape
2015.196.793.1a-d: tape 1 two digital files, tape information sheet, and cassette tape
2015.196.793.2a-d: tape 2 two digital files, tape information sheet, and cassette tape
Object number2015.196.793.1-.2
CopyrightIn Copyright
NotesBiographical Note: Chief Aurelius Piper (1916-2008) known as Big Eagle, was a hereditary leader of the Golden Hill Paugussett, an indigenous group with homelands in western Connecticut. He lived most of his life on the tribe’s reservation in the Golden Hill section of Trumbull – a one-quarter acre of land that is the oldest reservation in the US, dating to 1659. Additional lands were held in Colchester. Founder of the White Buffalo Society and the Native American Spiritual Circle, he also served in North Africa during the second World War. Piper advocated for the preservation and teaching of native cultural traditions locally, nationally, and internationally. His beaded belts and bear claw necklaces have been exhibited at the American Indian Archaeological Institute in Washington CT, the Bruce Museum, and at the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, as well as in Florida, Germany, Holland, and the Soviet Union where he was celebrated. Piper traveled throughout the US and Europe presenting lecture/demonstrations and many enthusiasts visited him at Golden Hill. He owned and operated an independent trucking company. His family including daughter Shoran continue to lead the tribe and maintain the family base on Golden Hill.Additional materials exist in the CCHAP archive for this artist and this project.
Cataloging Note: This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-245929-OMS-20.
Subject Terms
- Interviews
- Oral history
- Oral narratives
- Indians of North America
- Paugussett Indians
- Indian elders (Indigenous leaders)
- Men
- Indigenous peoples
- Indigenous peoples (America)
- Indians of North America
- People of color
- Audiocassettes
- Interviews and Oral Histories
- Trumbull
- CCHAP Archive IMLS Museums for America Grant
- Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CCHAP)
On View
Not on view
