PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Museum of the American Revolution is getting a head start on its celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day with a whole weekend of programming planned to showcase the history and culture of local Native American tribes that were major contributors to the founding of the U.S.
“Part of our mission is to share the diverse and unknown stories of the American Revolution, and one of those stories that many of our visitors don’t realize is the sort of intricate involvement of Native peoples,” said Rebecca Franco. She helped put together the programming for Indigenous Peoples Weekend at the museum.
Visitors will be treated to cultural activities like beadwork and belt-making, dance performances from Lenape tribe members, and a whole lot of history, like the local Oneida Nation’s struggle over whether or not to ally with the revolutionaries during the war for independence.
“The Oneida Nation, who have always been big supporters of the museum itself, were really America’s first ally, even before the French Army.”
Franco says the daily performances from Lenape tribe members in the museum’s outdoor plaza are something every visitor should see.
“They’re going to be doing a great presentation both about their history in Pennsylvania and how they ended up in Oklahoma, talking a little bit about their culture and sharing some social dances that they do.”
Programming runs Saturday, Oct. 12, through Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, Oct. 14. The performances will run through Monday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.