The museum relates the history of the American Indian, beginning with the forced resettlement of Eastern and Great Lakes natives mandated by the Indian Removal Act of 1836 and continuing to the present. The museum occupies the remaining portion of the Presbyterian mission building erected in 1846. Interactive exhibits, children's activities, and colorful artwork tell the story of family life, traditions that have been shared, and where these people live today. The museum illustrates Native American contributions such as beadwork, basketmaking, and ribbon work. Children can explore a barkhouse, experience beadwork, and try on ribbon shirts, a hide dress, breech cloths, and practice in a ledger book. The museum features the people from more than 12,000 years ago. Learn about early Plains culture and how the different nations varied through styles of clothing, food, and art.
