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 has many amazing collections of Native American artifacts. These are items made by Indigenous people from long ago and even today. It is located in Yavapai County, Arizona.
How the Museum Started
The museum began thanks to several people. Kate Cory helped by giving eight of her paintings. She also donated her photograph album to the collection.
Dr. Byron Cummings from the University of Arizona also played a part. He needed a place to keep the old artifacts he found. These items were discovered during his team's excavations. Sharlot Hall also shared important information about different cultures.
The museum grew from events held by a group of local people. This group used to perform dances. They called themselves the "Smoki Tribe." These performances were not appreciated by the Hopi people. The Hopi felt these dances were disrespectful to their sacred traditions.
A New Direction
Starting in 1931, the "Smoki Tribe" met and performed near the museum's current spot. The museum building itself was built in 1935. It was constructed by the Civilian Works Administration. This was a government program that created jobs.
By 1990, the "Smoki Tribe" stopped their dance performances. This was partly because the Hopi people asked them to stop. Instead of performances, the museum now offers educational programs. These programs teach visitors about Native American cultures.
In 1991, the museum became a non-profit organization. This means it uses its money to support its mission. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical sites. On February 10, 2020, the museum officially changed its name. It became the Museum of Indigenous People (MIP).
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has more than 2,000 artifacts. These include beautiful pottery, woven baskets, and beadwork. You can also see lithics, which are tools made from stone.
The items range from the Pre-Columbian era to modern times. This means some pieces are very, very old. The baskets in the museum are considered some of the best in the United States. The pottery displays are also very impressive.
Other exhibits change regularly. They usually stay for about four to six months. This means there's always something new to see! The museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
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