The Museum of the American Indian’s “Americans” exhibit will showcase how Native American culture has played a role in shaping the country’s identity.
The Smithsonian Native American Museum’s major “Americans” exhibition opens on January 18 and will highlight the role and effect American Indians’ influence has had on the identity of the nation since the first settlers arrived in colonial times. The exhibit will feature hundreds of American Indian images and objects that span three centuries of life in America while chronicling famous historical events by delving into three familiar stories of American History that tell the tale of the Native American people and their role in shaping American culture and society. The exhibit’s Central Gallery will feature objects such as an actual “Tomahawk” flight-test missile, a classic 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle, and a Calumet baking powder can. Each object and image will be accompanied by an interactive screen to provide additional learning opportunities. [caption id="attachment_6575" align="aligncenter" width="426"]
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Also in the Central Gallery, visitors will be able to view clips from various movies and television shows, as well as a short-animated film titled, “The Invention of Thanksgiving.”
The three stories featured in the “Americans” exhibit will tell the story of the life of Pocahontas, the Battle of Little Big Horn, and the Trail of Tears and how each impacted American culture, as well as how they have been interpreted by society throughout history.
“Americans” will be free to attend. If you haven’t been to the National Museum of the American Indian, the museum has plenty of other interesting exhibits to check out, as well as a cool gift shop collection. The cafe makes a pretty darn good bison burger, so bring your pocketbook if you decide to go.
The Museum of the American Indian is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building. Visitors traveling by Metro should use the L'Enfant Metro Stop on the blue, green, yellow, and orange lines.
