Lenape Village Indigenous Structures Project

Project Description: Project to consist of design and construction of two 14’ diameter x 7’ high Lenape Wigwams and one 40’ long x 15’ wide x 7’ high Lenape Longhouse with cedar samplings to be cut to size and installed as bed frames attached to the inside of the longhouse framework in accordance with the historical record for Lenape indigenous structures in Pennsylvania during the mid-17th century.
Construction work is to be completed by volunteers under the supervision of the consultant and their staff. Consultant to report to and coordinate with the staff of the Museum of Indian Culture.
Project to be completed in two phases:
Phase 1: Placement of the Tree Saplings that will provide the framework for the two wigwams and one longhouse. Tree saplings cut to size and installed.
Phase 2: Covering of the Sapling framework with sheets of bark sheathing according to specifications.
The selected engineer will be responsible for:
Designing structures according to 1650s Lenape historic records.
Providing all necessary materials, specifically green tulip poplar tree sheathing and green cedar saplings for all three structures.
Providing consultancy and on-site instruction to volunteers to ensure proper construction from start to finish.
Attending all on-site inspections required by the City of Allentown.
All bids must include:
Engineering and design costs.
Consultation and on-site instruction fees.
An itemized list of material costs.
Applicable shipping and travel expenses.
At least three references and three images of Lenape-style bark houses from past projects.
Please note that this project is funded by a CPF Grant through the HUD Office of Economic Development and must be completed no later than May 30, 2026.
While proof of membership in a federally recognized Northeast Woodland tribe is a prerequisite for this project, we respect all other protected classes under federal law—including race, color, national origin, and disability—within the pool of eligible tribal members.