National Museum of the American Indian

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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, February 28, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

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, March 4, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:00 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, March 4, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Women's History Month: Native Women Leading the Way

One-Time Events Spend the day celebrating the strength, creativity, and leadership of Native women through vibrant performances, meaningful conversations, and family-friendly activities throughout the museum. From the rhythmic movement of traditional dance to hands-on artmaking and powerful stories of service, this program invites visitors of all ages to experience how Native women have led—and continue to lead—the way. SCHEDULE, Level 1, Potomac Atrium                           11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:45 PM | Schenandoah Family Dancers Join Michelle Schenandoah (Oneida) and the Schenandoah Family Dancers as they share their family traditions and efforts to preserve cultural knowledge. , , 11 AM-1 PM and 2-4 PM | imagiNATIONS Creations: Haudenosaunee Cornhusk Dolls  Learn about the longstanding tradition of cornhusk doll making within Haudenosaunee (Mohawk, Oneida, Tuscarora, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations) cultures. Museum Educators will share the cultural importance of corn and how it is used to convey… Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 1: Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE. Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11:00 AM – 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, March 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:00 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, March 11, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

NY | Women's History Month: "SEEDS"

One-Time Events Ziggy (Kaniehtiio Horn) receives her first internet influencer job offer to promote the seed and fertilizer company Nature’s Oath. When her cousin calls her back to the rez, she is forced into a battle to save her people’s legacy and finds her power along the way. Director: Kaniehtiio Horn (Kahnawake Mohawk), Canada, 2024, 82 min. This film contains violence, horror, and coarse language. It is intended for mature audiences. Doors open at 6:45 PM ET. Image credit: SEEDS (film still), courtesy of indican pictures   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. Support for this program is provided by The Walt Disney Company. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Lower Level, Auditorium. Cost: FREE. Friday, March 13, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

DC | The Art of Quillwork

One-Time Events Indigenous peoples of the Americas have long decorated clothing and objects with porcupine quills to show care, respect, and love. Quillwork is a creative and skillful tradition passed down through generations. Learn how the art of quillwork is used to create something special at the National Museum of the American Indian. Join artists Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk, Cree, Comanche), Sunshine Big Mountain (Oneida of Wisconsin), and Anthony Hernandez (Northern Paiute) as they share their stories and demonstrate quillwork techniques. Curator Anya Montiel (Mestiza/Tohono O'odham descent) will be on hand for a tour of the special installation Making a Statement, which features work by Joe Big Mountain.  Young visitors and their families can stop by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center to learn how deer hide becomes clothing and accessories. Then, design your own rawhide artwork with colorful floral patterns inspired by objects in the National Museum of the American Indian collection. SCHEDULE, ALL EVENTS ON LEVEL 3, … Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 3, various locations. Cost: FREE. Related Exhibition: Making a Statement. Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

NY | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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, which 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. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

ONLINE | Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In

One-Time Events Teachers play a crucial role in advancing the museum’s work to transform popular understandings of Native histories, cultures, and contemporary lives. The annual Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In, hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in collaboration with Teaching for Change, is an opportunity for educators around the world to access classroom resources from the NMAI’s Native Knowledge 360° online education portal, Teaching for Change, the Zinn Education Project, and more. This event will be hosted ONLINE via Zoom. Teachers will be able to select two workshop breakout sessions that include resource-rich experiences to support effective use of American Indian-focused classroom lessons. The goal of the Teach-In is to support awareness of the museum’s Native Knowledge 360° national education initiative to promote improved teaching about American Indian communities.  Professional development credit and ASL interpretation will be available. $15 | Registration required. Co-sponsor: Teaching for Change. Location Icon: Online. Event Location: Online via ZOOM. Cost: $15 | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://teachingforchange.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/teachingforchange/eventRegistration.jsp?event=11&. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

NY | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 14, 2026, 2:15 PM – 2:45 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, March 18, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:00 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, March 18, 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, March 21, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | "Fusion Notes" by Preston Singletary (Book Signing)

One-Time Events Contemporary Indigenous glass artist Preston Singletary (Tlingit) will be on hand in our museum shop to sign copies of his new book Fusion Notes, a visual memoir of his life and artistic practices. The book features nearly 100 black and white and color images, including many of Singletary's stunning glass sculptures that incorporate Pacific Northwest formline designs and storytelling. Fusion Notes will be available for purchase in the museum shop ahead of the signing event. Be sure to visit the exhibition Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass, and then hear more from Singletary and fellow artists Dan Friday (Lummi) and Jody Naranjo (Tewa, Santa Clara) in the Diker Pavilion on Level 1 at 2 PM. Image: Preston Singletary, Raven Steals the Sun, 2019, Blown, sand carved glass, 21" x 7" x 7". Image courtesy of Preston Singletary, Photograph by Russell Johnson, © Copyright Preston Singletary. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 2: Museum Store. Cost: FREE. Related Exhibition: Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass. Saturday, March 21, 2026, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM.

NY | Indigenous Art Through the Lens of Glass

One-Time Events Contemporary Indigenous glass artists Preston Singletary (Tlingit), Dan Friday (Lummi), and Jody Naranjo (Tewa, Santa Clara), share how they use the medium of glass to express Indigenous stories, designs, and contemporary issues. Visitors can see the artists’ work in the exhibition Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass which traces 45 years of Native glass art and showcases approximately 120 artworks by 29 Indigenous artists. Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass was originated by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe, New Mexico, where it was curated by Dr. Letitia Chambers and Cathy Short (Potawatomi). The traveling exhibit was curated by Dr. Chambers and is toured by International Arts & Artists. Generous support provided by Janet and David Offensend. Image: Preston Singletary, Raven Steals the Sun, 2019, Blown, sand carved glass, 21" x 7" x 7". Image courtesy of Preston Singletary, Photograph by Russell Johnson, © Copyright Preston Singletary. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: Diker Pavilion. Cost: FREE. Related Exhibition: Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass. Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 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, March 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:00 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, March 25, 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, March 28, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital: "Aki"

One-Time Events Director Darlene Naponse captures the seasonal essence of her home community, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, in this nearly wordless visual art documentary. By focusing on the soundscapes of Northern Ontario and the daily lives of its inhabitants—both human and animal—the film finds profound beauty in simple moments. Featuring limited Anishinaabemowin, Aki offers a cinematic tribute to the enduring connection between a people and their territory. Director: Darlene Naponse (Anishinaabe), Canada, 2025, 83 min. Content Advisory: contains scenes of hunting, trapping, and preparing of animals. No tickets needed, seating is first come, first served.  This screening is presented in conjunction with The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF), the world’s premier showcase of environmental films. Through their annual festival, year-round programs, and online resources, they seek to advance public understanding of the environment through the power of film. The 34th annual festival will be held March… Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 1: Rasmuson Theater. Cost: FREE. Accessibility: Captioning. Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, March 28, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 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. Wednesday, April 1, 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, April 4, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

ONLINE | Native Knowledge 360° "Americans" Session 1: Thanksgiving

One-Time Events American Indian images, names, and stories infuse American history and contemporary life. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names, and stories reveal the deep connection between Americans and American Indians as well as how Indians have been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States. This three-part professional development series focuses on the stories and images presented in the exhibition Americans, on view at the National Museum of the American Indian DC and through Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street. Educators will explore ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and learn new ways of understanding a few familiar events. Educators will be guided through Native Knowledge 360° classroom resources, delving into three stories:  April 7, 2026 | Session 1: Thanksgiving , April 14, 2026 | Session 2: Battle of Little Bighorn , April 21, 2026 | Session 3: Trail of Tears, Free |… Location Icon: Online. Event Location: Online via ZOOM. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RdwZwlFgT3qYCY8LLNHv5w#/registration. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit smithsonian.zoom.us.

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, April 8, 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, April 11, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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, which 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. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: Free. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: Free. Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM.

ONLINE | Native Knowledge 360° "Americans" Session 2: Battle of Little Bighorn

One-Time Events American Indian images, names, and stories infuse American history and contemporary life. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names, and stories reveal the deep connection between Americans and American Indians as well as how Indians have been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States. This three-part professional development series focuses on the stories and images presented in the exhibition Americans, on view at the National Museum of the American Indian DC and through Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street. Educators will explore ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and learn new ways of understanding a few familiar events. Educators will be guided through Native Knowledge 360° classroom resources, delving into three stories:  April 7, 2026 | Session 1: Thanksgiving , April 14, 2026 | Session 2: Battle of Little Bighorn , April 21, 2026 | Session 3: Trail of Tears, Free |… Location Icon: Online. Event Location: Online via ZOOM. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RdwZwlFgT3qYCY8LLNHv5w#/registration. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit smithsonian.zoom.us.

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, April 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Curator Tour: "Water's Edge"

One-Time Events Curated by Rebecca Trautmann, this exhibition is the first major retrospective of the acclaimed Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) artist. Lowe’s elegant, minimalist sculptures made of willow branches, feathers, and other organic materials evoke the rivers, streams, and waterfalls of the Wisconsin woodlands where he was raised and the canoes used to traverse them. His sculptures and sensitively rendered pastel and charcoal drawings reflect on cultural traditions, memory, and human relationships to place.  Water’s Edge features nearly 50 of Lowe’s sculptures, drawings, and paintings that explore the evolution of and themes within the artist’s work throughout his career. Join the curator for a guided tour of an exhibition that brings to light rarely seen monumental works, significant pieces from public and private collections, including 28 from the National Museum of the American Indian’s collection.  Image: Truman Lowe (Hoocąk, 1944–2019), Feather Canoe, ca. 1993. Peeled willow saplings, feathers, copper wire, 22 x 74 x 12… Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 3, exhibition gallery. Cost: FREE. Related Exhibition: Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

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, April 18, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Panel Discussion: Truman Lowe's Artistic Legacy

One-Time Events Water’s Edge curator Rebecca Head Trautmann moderates a panel conversation about Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) artist Truman Lowe’s work and its impact on Indigenous contemporary artists. Water’s Edge brings together nearly fifty of Lowe’s sculptures and drawings, reflecting on waterways, woodlands, memory, and cultural practices. Image: Truman Lowe (Hoocąk, 1944–2019), Mimi, 1979. Pine, peeled willow sticks, blue jay feathers, leather, glass beads, 18 x 16 x 16 in. National Museum of the American Indian 26/9773, gift of John Lavine and Meryl Lipton Lavine Leading support provided by Bank of America. Major support provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. Generous support provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art and Ameriprise Financial. Additional support provided by John and Meryl Lavine, Greg and Cathy Tibbles, and Leslie A. Wheelock. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Level 1, Rasmuson Theater. Cost: FREE. Related Exhibition: Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL-interpreted program. Saturday, April 18, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

ONLINE | Native Knowledge 360° "Americans" Session 3: Trail of Tears

One-Time Events American Indian images, names, and stories infuse American history and contemporary life. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names, and stories reveal the deep connection between Americans and American Indians as well as how Indians have been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States. This three-part professional development series focuses on the stories and images presented in the exhibition Americans, on view at the National Museum of the American Indian DC and through Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street. Educators will explore ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began and learn new ways of understanding a few familiar events. Educators will be guided through Native Knowledge 360° classroom resources, delving into three stories:  April 7, 2026 | Session 1: Thanksgiving , April 14, 2026 | Session 2: Battle of Little Bighorn , April 21, 2026 | Session 3: Trail of Tears, Free |… Location Icon: Online. Event Location: Online via ZOOM. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RdwZwlFgT3qYCY8LLNHv5w#/registration. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more info visit smithsonian.zoom.us.

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, April 22, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

DC | Living Earth Festival: "Always Becoming"

One-Time Events Celebrate the transformational power of clay and the evolution of the museum’s iconic outdoor sculpture installation, Always Becoming, by Nora Naranjo-Morse (Santa Clara Pueblo). Join the museum for a weekend of stories, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances and more centered on the relationship between art and the earth. Image: Nora Naranjo-Morse (K'apovi [Santa Clara Pueblo], b. 1953). Always Becoming, 2007-present, Washington, D.C. USA. Sculptures made of natural materials. Museum commission from the artist, 2007. 26/5840. Photo by Norwood Photography. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Multiple locations, Outdoors. Cost: FREE. Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 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, April 25, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

DC | Living Earth Festival: "Always Becoming"

One-Time Events Celebrate the transformational power of clay and the evolution of the museum’s iconic outdoor sculpture installation, Always Becoming, by Nora Naranjo-Morse (Santa Clara Pueblo). Join the museum for a weekend of stories, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances and more centered on the relationship between art and the earth. Image: Nora Naranjo-Morse (K'apovi [Santa Clara Pueblo], b. 1953). Always Becoming, 2007-present, Washington, D.C. USA. Sculptures made of natural materials. Museum commission from the artist, 2007. 26/5840. Photo by Norwood Photography. Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Location Icon: Washington, DC. Event Location: Multiple locations, Outdoors. Cost: FREE. Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 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. Wednesday, April 29, 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, May 2, 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. Wednesday, May 6, 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, May 9, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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, which 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. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: Free. Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.

NY | Story Time

Ongoing Tours & Activities 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. Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Location Icon: New York, NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: Free. Saturday, May 9, 2026, 2:15 PM – 2:45 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, May 13, 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, May 16, 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. Wednesday, May 20, 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, May 23, 2026, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.