Scholar Talk: Native Americans' Fight for Civil Rights and Sovereignty Featuring Professor Paul Rosier
Friday, November 29 | Noon ET
Kirby Auditorium
Join us for a discussion on Native Americans’ campaigns for civil rights and tribal sovereignty after World War II. Professor Paul Rosier will draw from his prize-winning book, Serving Their Country: American Indian Politics and Patriotism in the 20th Century, and his forthcoming book project, “Indigenous Citizens: Native Americans’ Fight for Sovereignty, 1776-2020.”
Paul C. Rosier currently serves as professor of history at Villanova University, where he teaches Native American history, American environmental history, global environmental history, and 20th century American history.
Indigenous Influence on the Constitution
*Offered Daily, check daily program guide*
What intellectual sources did the founders use when drafting the Constitution? Join us as we examine the influence Indigenous peoples and tribal governments like the Iroquois Confederacy had on the founders and the ideas enshrined in the Constitution.
Artifact Highlight: Petition from the Cherokee Nation
*Offered daily, check daily program guide*
Learn about your right to petition by exploring the history of the Cherokee Nation and their petition to Congress after being forcibly relocated in 1838. Listen to the grievances and appeals of the Cherokee nation of Georgia and how they used their First Amendment right to pursue the assistance of the federal government in order to protect their land, resources, and existence.
History of Thanksgiving Show
*Offered Thanksgiving Weekend, Grand Hall Lobby
Visitors are invited to join in on an interactive History of Thanksgiving show, exploring the origins and importance of this national holiday. Learn about the Wampanoag people who lived in what is now New England, and the historic meal they shared with European settlers in 1621. We’ll explore more about the Wampanoag and their culture, the events leading up to the harvest feast that year, and what foods they may have eaten (it may surprise you!). Learn about the role presidents have played in creating the Thanksgiving holiday as well as popular Thanksgiving traditions, including the presidential turkey pardon.
Lenape Language Activity
Daily, Grand Hall Lobby
The languages spoken by Native Americans are as diverse as the people themselves. Learn some words and phrases in Lenape/Delaware, the language spoken by the Lenape peoples who once inhabited this very land.
Tribal Mapping
Daily, Grand Hall Lobby
Explore a map of the United States centuries before the founders. Can you find your hometown? Which Native American tribe lived there?
Native American Portrait Book
Daily, Grand Hall Lobby
Learn about famous Native American figures from history at our activity tables. Visitors can create their very own Native American portrait book using printed portraits of historical Native American figures. Draw their picture for your very own take-home collection.
Corn Husk Dolls
*Offered Weekends, Grand Hall Lobby
Travel back in time to the 17th century to see how the Wampanoag people made their own toys. Join us for a corn husk doll workshop, discover how the Wampanoag children learned through play, and create your own corn husk doll to take home.
