As one captivating exhibit wraps up at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, another is set to take its place, promising to engage and educate visitors about the rich tapestry of American history. The upcoming exhibition, titled “Americans,” is scheduled to open on Saturday, September 13, and is based on a significant display from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This exhibition delves into the profound connections between American Indians and the broader narrative of the United States, highlighting their integral role in shaping the nation’s identity and culture.
“Americans” is part of a six-year national tour that began in August, making its way to small towns across approximately 20 states. This initiative is particularly timely, as it follows the completion of the “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” exhibit, which wraps up its summer run on August 31. Fort Garland Museum Director Eric Carpio expressed his excitement about the timing, noting, “We’ve been working on ‘Why We Serve’ for quite a while, but this one just kind of lined up perfectly.”
The exhibition aims to illuminate the ways in which American Indians have been woven into the fabric of American identity long before the nation’s founding. From the imagery of American Indians found on commercial products and sports mascots to their representation in classic Western films and popular television shows like “Seinfeld” and “South Park,” the exhibition underscores their pervasive presence in American culture. Additionally, it addresses how historical events such as Thanksgiving, the Trail of Tears, and the Battle of Little Bighorn have become ingrained in the national consciousness.
Visitors to “Americans” can expect a multifaceted experience that includes photographs, hands-on interactive displays, artifacts, and videos. These elements work together to provide a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between the United States and its Indigenous peoples. One of the highlights is a short animated film titled “The Invention of Thanksgiving,” which offers a playful yet insightful look at how a simple meal shared between Native Americans and early English settlers evolved into a cornerstone of American tradition and a national holiday.
The exhibition is structured around three pivotal narratives that resonate within American culture. The first focuses on Pocahontas, the young Powhatan woman whose actions were crucial in the survival of the Jamestown colony. The second narrative examines the Indian Removal Act of 1830, a landmark legislation signed by President Andrew Jackson that aimed to create a United States devoid of Native Americans. This act not only transformed the nation but also inflicted profound suffering on Indigenous communities. The third story centers on the Battle of Little Bighorn, often referred to as Custer’s Last Stand, exploring how this event has been remembered and portrayed over the years.
Designed specifically for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, “Americans” serves as a platform for community engagement and dialogue. With the support of state humanities councils, participating towns will have the opportunity to develop complementary exhibits, host public programs, and facilitate educational initiatives. These efforts aim to deepen the understanding of Native American identity and representation within American culture, fostering local conversations about this intricate history.
The “Americans” exhibition was developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and adapted for travel by the Museum on Main Street (MoMS), a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian and various state humanities councils and organizations across the country. This initiative is part of the Smithsonian’s broader “Our Shared Future: 250” program, which commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary, with significant support from Lilly Endowment Inc.
