Indigenous Peoples Weekend 2026 at the Museum

Join us at the Museum to explore Native American history, culture, and their role in the American Revolution, as part of our annual Indigenous Peoples Weekend celebration, Oct. 10-12.

The Declaration's Journey
Onsite | Daily
The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the historical and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. The exhibition features artifacts that highlight the Native American nations that were the first foreign powers to formally acknowledge the independence of the United States, including a copy of the Treaty of Watertown and a letter written to President Abraham Lincoln by Chief John Ross of the Cherokee Nation explaining the political division in the tribe during the American Civil War.

Lenape Social Dances
Onsite | Daily
Throughout the weekend, a group of dancers from the Delaware Tribe of Indians will perform traditional Lenape social dances on the Museum’s outdoor plaza for free and open to the public.
In the event of inclement weather, performances will move into the Museum's lobby.

Meet the Revolution
Onsite | Daily from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
As part of our Meet the Revolution series, meet living history interpreters Kehala (Mohawk, Bear Clan) and Jordan (Mohawk, Bear Clan) Smith, who will share stories about their culture, costuming, and traditions and engage guests in conversation about the past, present, and future of their people. They will also demonstrate and display culturally meaningful objects and materials, including woven baskets, slippery elm bark, and wampum belts. 

Oneida Nation Gallery
Onsite | Daily
In the Museum’s core exhibition, visitors can explore an immersive multimedia gallery about the Oneida Indian Nation’s debate over whether or not to break away from the Six Nations Confederacy to support the Revolutionary cause. Listen as recreated figures representing Oneida men and women discuss the difficult choices they faced.

The People of the Standing Stone Film
Onsite | Daily, 3:30 p.m.
The People of the Standing Stone explores the crucial but little-known history of the extraordinary contributions of one Native American people who chose to commit themselves to the Revolutionary cause when nearly all others fought on the side of the British during America’s War for Independence. The moving 25-minute film was directed by Emmy Award-winning director Ric Burns and narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner.

The People Between: Native Americans in a Revolutionary Era Gallery Guide
Onsite & Online | Daily
More than 250,000 Native Americans lived east of the Mississippi River during the Revolutionary era. They formed more than 80 nations and spoke dozens of languages. The decades of political turmoil and warfare that divided Great Britain and its colonies and led to the creation of the United States profoundly affected native people. Use this gallery guide to explore their stories throughout the Museum and in our Virtual Museum Tour.

Event details and programming are subject to change.