Museum of Indigenous People facts for kids
| Location | 147 N. Arizona Avenue, Prescott, Arizona |
|---|---|
| Type | Native American |
| Visitors | 7,000 per year |
The Museum of Indigenous People is a special place in Prescott, Arizona. It used to be called the Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture. This museum keeps amazing collections of items made by Native American people. It is located in Yavapai County, Arizona.
Discovering the Museum's Past
The museum began thanks to several people. One was Kate Cory, an artist who gave eight of her paintings and a photo album. Another was Dr. Byron Cummings from the University of Arizona. He needed a place for the ancient items he found during his digs. Sharlot Hall also shared important information about different cultures.
The museum's early days involved a group of white Arizona residents. They performed dances that looked like Native American ceremonies. This was not appreciated by the Hopi people. These performers called themselves the "Smoki Tribe."
Starting in 1931, the "Smoki Tribe" met and performed near where the museum is now. The main museum building was built in 1935. It was made of stone and logs by the Civilian Works Administration. By 1990, the "Smoki Tribe" stopped their dances. This was partly because the Hopi people asked them to stop. They felt these performances were disrespectful to their sacred traditions.
Instead of performances, the museum now offers educational programs. In 1991, it became a non-profit museum. This means it is run for public benefit, not for making money. The museum is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This shows it is an important historical site. On February 10, 2020, the museum officially changed its name to the Museum of Indigenous People (MIP).
What You Can See at the Museum
The Museum of Indigenous People has over 2,000 amazing items. These include pottery, baskets, stone tools, and beadwork. The items range from very old, pre-Columbian times to modern days.
The museum's collection of baskets is considered one of the best in the United States. Their pottery displays are also very impressive. The museum also has special exhibits that change often. These usually stay for about 4 to 6 months.
The museum welcomes about 7,000 visitors each year. It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
More to Explore
