National Museum of the American Indian

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NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Friday, December 19, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Saturday, December 20, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

DC | Cradleboards and Crawlers

Ongoing Tours & Activities Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning.  *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 0-2 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE. Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Museum closed December 25

One-Time Events The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Each year, the museum is closed on December 25.  Access our collections, view online exhibitions, and find past programs on our website anytime at AmericanIndian.si.edu. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Museum-wide. Cost: Free. Thursday, December 25, 2025.

NY | Museum closed December 25

One-Time Events The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in New York, NY is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Each year, the museum is closed on December 25.  Access our collections, view online exhibitions, and find past programs on our website anytime at AmericanIndian.si.edu. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Museum-wide. Cost: Free. Thursday, December 25, 2025.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Saturday, December 27, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, December 27, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Saturday, December 27, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

NY | Hands On: Celebrate Winter

One-Time Events Did you know that a familiar holiday decoration has deep Indigenous roots? Celebrate the season with us by learning about cuetlaxochitl (Nahuatl, pronounced: kwet-la-SHO-she), the plant commonly known as poinsettia. Join our Museum Educators to learn about the plant’s cultural significance and trace its journey from Indigenous communities in Mexico and central America to worldwide appreciation. Then, enjoy a hands-on activity by creating your own paper flower to take home. All ages welcome*.  *Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, January 3, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Drawing Stories: Family Art Day

One-Time Events Learn about historical and contemporary ledger art and narrative art through tours of the exhibition Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains, along with story time and family-friendly hands-on activities.  SCHEDULE Level 4, Landing 11 AM–1 PM, 2–4 PM | Button Making Make a narrative art inspired magnetic button to take home. , , Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center  11:15 AM | Story Time Families are invited to an interactive story time featuring the children’s book Tasunka by Donald F. Montileaux. They will have the opportunity to engage with objects from the museum's Teaching Collection such as photographs, textiles, and natural materials that can deepen their understanding of the Lakota community and the tradition of narrative art.  , , *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… Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Levels 3 and 4. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains. Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Makah Dancers

One-Time Events The Makah Dancers, joined by the Makah Tribal Council, perform traditional dances and songs to celebrate the installation of the 1855 Treaty with the Makah in Nation to Nation: Treaties Between the United States and American Indian Nations (Level 4 and online). The performance will be preceded by brief remarks led by Janine Ledford, Executive Director of the Makah Cultural and Research Center (MCRC) in Neah Bay, Washington. The MCRC is part of an ongoing collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian through the Tribal Museum Partner Program, which facilitates the return or loan of cultural items to home communities for display, research, and cultural traditions. A Makah Tribal Councilmember will share the community’s perspective on the continued impact of the 1855 Treaty and the importance of protecting and exercising treaty rights such as those related to natural resources and long-standing cultural practices. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Welcome to a Native Place

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Potomac Atrium. Cost: Free. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. ***Schedule subject to change without prior notice. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3. Cost: Free. Saturday, January 31, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.