Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

Exhibitions and general admission - almost quarterly, visitors can explore new inspiring exhibits. the Mitchell Museum researches, designs and displays temporary and permanent exhibitions on native American art, culture, and history all tied to current affairs in Indian country. the Museum utilizes its own collection and pieces on loan from national and local organizations, native American artists, and collectors. We are fortunate to have volunteers who assist staff in the construction, mount- making, and installation of the exhibits. While this is a core activity of the Museum, through budget conscience ingenuity this expense remains low.

Programs & events - the Mitchell Museum is a bustling center for learning and cultural experiences with a diverse range of programs from academic lectures, artist-led workshops and music and dance demonstrations to deepen the public's understanding of American Indian peoples and culture. the kids craft mornings, storytellers, docent-led tours for school-age and adult groups and activity tables demonstrates the Museum's reputation as a family friendly place. the Mitchell Museum also offers resources and programs geared to assist teachers in dispelling stereotypes about native america peoples and culture. Our website, loan box program- offering hands-on objects and reproductions, and classroom presentations bring the Museum experience into the classroom.

Collections - central to the Mitchell Museum's mission is to collect and preserve traditional and contemporary native American art and material culture to tell the stories of American Indian peoples for this and future generations. Since 1977, the collection has grown from 3,000 to over 10,000 objects and over 3,000 books representing some of the country's best American Indian textiles, basketry, beadwork, visual arts, jewelry, and sculpture. the Museum prides itself in the diversity of its collection covering tribes and bands from throughout the united states and canada. Expenses include collections insurance, staff time to process, document, inventory, and re-house the collection, and the purchase of shelving units, supplies, and collections database software upgrades.

the Mitchell Museum shop sells items directly from American Indian artists or approved vendors, many native American owned businesses. As a member of the Indian arts & crafts association we sell authentic items in the store following our mission to promote and share a deeper understanding of the native American peoples through their traditional and contemporary art and material culture. By buying hand-made jewelry, baskets or books on native cultures, visitors can take home and share American Indian art and culture beyond the Museum's walls.