First Americans Museum facts for kids
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| Former name | American Indian Cultural Center and Museum |
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| Type | Cultural |
Welcome to the First Americans Museum (FAM)! It's a special place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where you can learn all about the amazing cultures of Native American nations. This museum, which used to be called the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, first opened its doors on September 18, 2021.
Contents
The Museum's Journey
The idea for this museum began way back in the 1990s. It was created to share the rich history and vibrant cultures of the 39 Native American nations in Oklahoma.
Building the Dream
Construction on the museum started in 2006. However, work had to stop in 2012 because the state ran out of money for the project. Luckily, building started again in 2019! The city of Oklahoma City took over the project, making sure the museum could finally be finished.
What the Museum Does
The main goal of the First Americans Museum is to be a lively place that teaches everyone about the unique cultures, different ways of life, long histories, and important contributions of the First American Nations in Oklahoma today. It also highlights how strong and resilient these nations are.
Exploring the Cultures
The museum wants to help visitors understand the many different traditions, languages, and stories of Native American peoples. It's a place where you can discover the past and present of these incredible cultures.
Meet the Team
A dedicated team works hard to make the First Americans Museum a wonderful place to visit.
Key Leaders
- The executive director of FAM is James Pepper Henry, who is from the Kaw and Muscogee nations.
- The deputy director is Shoshana Wasserman, from the Thlopthlocco Muscogee nation.
- The chief curator, who helps choose and organize the exhibits, is Heather Ahtone, from the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations.
- Loretta Barrett Oden, a member of the Potawatomi nation, is a culinary architect. She helps create the delicious food experiences at the museum's restaurant, called Thirty Nine Restaurant.
See Also
- Center of the American Indian: This was another museum in Oklahoma City that focused on Native American cultures. It was led by Native Americans and was active from 1978 to 1992.
