National Museum of the American Indian

Bring the whole family for a fun day of Haudenosaunee activities. It was through play that Haudenosaunee youth perfected the skills they would eventually use in their adult lives. In this family fun day, join the Haudenosaunee Dancers in a round dance, explore the galleries in a treasure hunt, and enjoy hands-on activities that include making a corn husk doll and learning the significance of lacrosse.

Image: Courtesy of the Haudenosaunee Dancers

This program is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. 

*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.

Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present. Presentations may be canceled without prior notice.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

10:30 AM-12 PM: Ti Leaf Keychains

Learn about the cultural significance of the Ti (Cordyline fruticose) or Hawaiian good luck plant. Native Hawaiians use the Ti from root to leaf, incorporating it into lei making, food wrapping, and ceremonial practices. Visitors can make a Ti leaf keychain to take home!

11:15 -11:45 AM: Story Time

Join a museum educator for an interactive story time with a hands-on opportunity to experience objects from Hawaiian culture and stories. Space is limited, and the program is first-come, first-served. Recommended for ages 5-10.

1-2:30 PM: Kapa Bookmarks

Families are invited to create their own bookmark made of kapa, a traditional bark cloth made from the paper mulberry tree, or wauke.

Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. 

*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.

Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Families are invited to an interactive story time on the second Saturday of each month* featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. All are welcome. Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

*Schedule subject to change.

Families are invited to an interactive story time on the second Saturday of each month* featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. All are welcome. Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

*Schedule subject to change.


Image: Photo by Matailong Du for the National Museum of the American Indian.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

10:30 AM-12 PM: Ti Leaf Keychains

Learn about the cultural significance of the Ti (Cordyline fruticose) or Hawaiian good luck plant. Native Hawaiians use the Ti from root to leaf, incorporating it into lei making, food wrapping, and ceremonial practices. Visitors can make a Ti leaf keychain to take home!

11:15 -11:45 AM: Story Time

Join a museum educator for an interactive story time with a hands-on opportunity to experience objects from Hawaiian culture and stories. Space is limited, and the program is first-come, first-served. Recommended for ages 5-10.

1-2:30 PM: Kapa Bookmarks

Families are invited to create their own bookmark made of kapa, a traditional bark cloth made from the paper mulberry tree, or wauke.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

Stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom to learn about the process used by Native Hawaiians to create kapa, cloth made from paper mulberry tree bark, or wauke. Chat with educators, learn about the tools used to create kapa, and as a keepsake, stamp a bag with kapa designs to take home. 

Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present. Presentations may be canceled without prior notice.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

Stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom to learn about the process used by Native Hawaiians to create kapa, cloth made from paper mulberry tree bark, or wauke. Chat with educators, learn about the tools used to create kapa, and as a keepsake, stamp a bag with kapa designs to take home. 

Curator Anya Montiel (Mestiza/Tohono O'odham descent) offers a close look at the museum’s special installation Making a Statement, featuring custom Gucci gowns worn by actress Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) at the 96th Academy Awards. Then join Montiel and one of our museum educators to get hands-on and learn more about different types of quillwork in the museum’s Teaching Collection.

Image: Photos by Norwood Photography for the National Museum of the American Indian

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

Stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom to learn about the process used by Native Hawaiians to create kapa, cloth made from paper mulberry tree bark, or wauke. Chat with educators, learn about the tools used to create kapa, and as a keepsake, stamp a bag with kapa designs to take home. 

Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. 

*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.

Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

Stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom to learn about the process used by Native Hawaiians to create kapa, cloth made from paper mulberry tree bark, or wauke. Chat with educators, learn about the tools used to create kapa, and as a keepsake, stamp a bag with kapa designs to take home. 

Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present. Presentations may be canceled without prior notice.

Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. 

*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.

Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

On Memorial Day, honor Indigenous service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Hear from Native veterans, make prayer ties to remember loved ones, visit the exhibition Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces, and pay your respects during a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Native American Veterans Memorial.

*Further details to be announced.

Image: Photo by Norwood Photography for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American

Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present. Presentations may be canceled without prior notice.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

Stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom to learn about the process used by Native Hawaiians to create kapa, cloth made from paper mulberry tree bark, or wauke. Chat with educators, learn about the tools used to create kapa, and as a keepsake, stamp a bag with kapa designs to take home. 

Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring a children’s book by a Native author, illustrator, or created in collaboration with an Indigenous community. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, or natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the community represented in the story, along with a craft or other activity. 

*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.

Recommended for visitors ages 3-9 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join museum educators in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on activities related to Hawaiian culture.

Stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom to learn about the process used by Native Hawaiians to create kapa, cloth made from paper mulberry tree bark, or wauke. Chat with educators, learn about the tools used to create kapa, and as a keepsake, stamp a bag with kapa designs to take home. 

Watch Sean and Adrian challenge the rulebook of the Native American Sweetheart Special as they attempt to compete in a powwow’s annual couples’ competition. Dancing not only against the other dancers, but against the drums of oppression and closed-mindedness, this couple is determined to rewrite the rules of "one man, one woman" with their resplendent charisma, character and resilience. Director: Ben-Alex Dupris (Colville), USA, 2019, 13 min. 

Watch Sean and Adrian challenge the rulebook of the Native American Sweetheart Special as they attempt to compete in a powwow’s annual couples’ competition. Dancing not only against the other dancers, but against the drums of oppression and closed-mindedness, this couple is determined to rewrite the rules of "one man, one woman" with their resplendent charisma, character and resilience. Director: Ben-Alex Dupris (Colville), USA, 2019, 13 min. 

Watch Sean and Adrian challenge the rulebook of the Native American Sweetheart Special as they attempt to compete in a powwow’s annual couples’ competition. Dancing not only against the other dancers, but against the drums of oppression and closed-mindedness, this couple is determined to rewrite the rules of "one man, one woman" with their resplendent charisma, character and resilience. Director: Ben-Alex Dupris (Colville), USA, 2019, 13 min.