Native American month began as a proposal requesting an American Indian Day to honor the first Americans. It was Dr. Arthur C Parker, a Seneca Indian who proposed this special day. In 1915 it was passed with then President Calvin Coolidge issuing a Proclamation on September 28th, 1915 that the second Saturday in May would be dedicated to the learning about the United States’ first inhabitants. In 1990, President George Bush expanded American Indian Day to a month long celebration in November.

Native Americans contribute to the patchwork that has become America. From the Iroquois great Law of Peace which influenced the writing of the U.S. constitution to the Cheyenne concept of peaceful resistance. These great Nations built a heritage that still inspires new generations of Native Americans.

The history of America is in many ways the history of the Native American. For they gave the Europeans the skills and knowledge needed to survive in the New World.

Our exhibit tells only a part of the Native American’s history yet it paints a picture of the vastness of their domain, the depth of their beliefs and hopes, and the brave defiance of those men and women as they walked into the evening of their time of freedom on this earth.

 Today, many students around the country are devoted to learning about the life and history of the first Americans during Native American Heritage month. Students learn about the food, culture, the way of life and the history of these resilient people today and in generations past during the month long celebration.

Join us as we explore and celebrate Native American Heritage month with, the “Trail of Tears: A Journey of Survival and Success.”