[- Calendar of Events -]

Exhibit: American Indian Realism: Images from Oklahoma, the Territorial Era

Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave.

Native American History Exhibit

April, 03 2010 Thru May, 13 2010

http://www.fortsmithmuseum.com

Museum Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10-5, Sunday 1-5, Closed Mondays

The traveling exhibit from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Associates of the Western History Collections features a series of photographs of the Native American Tribes who removed to Indian Territory during the late nineteenth century. The Indian Territory was in flux at the time, with a convergence of diverse people, both Native American and non-Indian seeking land and opportunity. The arrival of the railroad and the demand for land by settlers traveling west dramatically changed the land allotments provided for Native American Tribes. Life in late nineteenth century Indian Territory, later Oklahoma Territory, was difficult and full of change.

Photographers were new to Indian Territory at the time but realized that life was changing for the various Native American Tribes. Striving to capture the traditional lifestyles that were quickly vanishing, the photographers focused on those people who still wore traditional dress carried on the ways of life of their ancestors. At times, props were used to create a traditional look in the photographs. Even though the subjects are unidentified, they provide a valuable record of the life ways of various Native American Tribes.

An opening reception will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 3. At 6 p.m. Catherine Foreman Gray with Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism will present a program.

Contact Info: 479-783-7841