Celebrate Indigenous History

Experience special programs in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village that reflect on and honor Indigenous history, culture, traditions and contributions. This celebration aligns with The Henry Ford's commitment to deepening its relationship with Indigenous communities.

Greenfield Village

• Indigenous Artist in Residence
  October 9-11, Print Shop
  
  As a part of our artist in residence program, renowned Indigenous artist Jamie John (Anishinaabe/Korean) will collaborate with our artisans in the Print Shop, with a focus on creating prints that are inspired by the village's native land as well as The Henry Ford's land acknowledgement.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

• Conflicting Connections: Native Nations and the Revolution Collections Spotlight
  October 10-November 30, With Liberty & Justice for All
  
  The colonists were on one side, the British were on the other in the fight for independence. It was a fight over the land in the "New World," but the original inhabitants of that world, the Indigenous nations, were caught in the middle. Determined to keep their homelands safe for their people, these nations fought on both sides of the conflict, only to receive promises that were never kept. This collections spotlight showcases some of the letters in The Henry Ford's collections that discuss Indigenous involvement in the American Revolution and open the door to understanding these conflicting connections.


• Preserving the Homelands — Native Nations During the Revolution
  October 10, 2 p.m., Anderson Theater
  
  Learn how Indigenous nations shaped the Revolution and the new United States, and how this history continues to influence America today, in this discussion led by Curator of Political and Civic Engagement at The Henry Ford, Heather Bruegl (Oneida/Stockbridge-Munsee), and Director of Historic Interpretation and Audience Engagement at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Brandon Dillard (Cherokee Nation).
  
  The program is free to the public. Advance registration is required and opens to all September 18. Click here for more program information and to register.


• Story Stroll: This Land: The History of the Land We're On
  November 1-30, Agriculture
  
  Page by page, combine literacy and movement in this all-ages experience as you read This Land: The History of the Land We're On, written by Ashley Fairbanks and illustrated by Bridget George. Throughout the stroll, learn that American land, from our backyards to our schools to Disney World, is the traditional homeland of many Indigenous nations. This programming will spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore the history and people of the places they live.


• The Savage Mind: Reckoning With the History of American Violence and Native Futures
  November 7, 2 p.m., Anderson Theater
  
  During this program, David Treuer (Leech Lake Ojibwe) will explore the deeply personal origins of The Savage Mind: An American Legacy, a work that began as a letter written in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and the January 6 insurrection. Drawing from memoir, history and journalism, Treuer reflects on how Americans might make sense of a country shaped by violence while also searching for ways to hold ourselves, our families and our communities together.
  
  The program is free to the public. Advance registration is required and opens to all October 7. Click here for more program information and to register.


• Tinkering for Tots
  November 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Drive-In Studio
  
  Tinkering for Tots is a program designed for curious preschoolers to develop an innovative mindset and make connections through storytelling, play, artifact explorations and a take-home STEAM activity kit. Explorations and activities are based on The Henry Ford's innovation learning framework, Model i. Come Celebrate Indigenous History with us as we read Berry Song by Michaela Goade.


• Joe Reilly & The Community Gardeners and All Nations Dancers
  November 15, 12-12:45 p.m. and 2-2:45 p.m., Museum Plaza
  
  Joe Reilly and his band, the Community Gardeners, will perform a celebration of Indigenous heritage alongside the All Nations Dancers, who represent the Three Fires of Michigan — Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi — through powerful performances of traditional dance styles, including Men's Traditional, Men's Grass, Women's Traditional, Fancy Shawl and Jingle.


• Artifacts in Focus: Through an Indigenous History Lens
  November 15, 1-2 p.m., begins in Museum Plaza
  
  Set your own pace as you venture to four highlighted artifacts and dive deeper into the Indigenous stories behind them. From presidential vehicles to stagecoaches, learn how these objects represent important moments in Indigenous history.

Enrolled tribal citizens of federally recognized tribal nations, as well as Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, receive free admission year-round to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village.

Please show a tribal ID or band card at the ticket counter.

Members enjoy free admission to all Celebrate Indigenous History programming, plus free general admission to the museum and village for a full year of fun starting the day you join. Experience on-site dining and shop at our stores with a member-exclusive discount along with complimentary parking, access to presales for ticketed events and more.