Last Saturday, we had an enjoyable and worthwhile visit to the National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian Institution. The Museum contains one of the largest collections of native American objects, representing many different cultures and communities from Alaska to the end of South America.

 

Our group included Angel, her daughter Sakia, Kerry, Malang, Micheleen, Janna, her daughters Nadine and Beatrice, DuPree and Burt. Angela Blair joined from Staten Island, Elaine and Jean Pierre from London and Italy and Eliot (Guest from CA). We toured the galleries at our own pace, immersing ourselves in the historical, artistic and cultural exhibits and narratives. We attended a short, interesting film on what it means to be a “native” New Yorker. We were exposed to some of the enormous cruelties imposed on indigenous peoples and left with a deeper understanding and a heavy heart. Before returning home, we looked at Fraunces Tavern from the Revolutionary War days and had a tasty buffet lunch. All in all, a trip to remember.
By Burt Hurwitz

 

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