Not far from Smith Mountain Lake, at the Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, Va. there are some especially timely programs going on this month. During America’s 400th Anniversary commemorating the founding of Jamestown, Virginia (the first permanent English settlement in the Americas), the Museum is offering a series of lectures on Native Americans in Virginia today.
They also have a special exhibit “Beyond Jamestown: Virginia Indians Yesterday and Today”, which is open through January 20, 2008, at the Museum. The exhibit examines Virginia’s Indian history from the Indian’s perspectives, revealing cultures that are vibrant and thriving.
November 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Powhatan Red Cloud-Owen and Karenne Wood presented a one-hour talk titled “One Little, Two Little…Indians in Virginia Today.” The presentation focused on contemporary challenges facing Virginia Indian tribes, such as federal recognition, access to housing, health care, and education programs, and ongoing efforts to eradicate myths and stereotypes about Indian people today.
November 13 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a special presentation by Dr. Helen Rountree titled “Living Gently on the Land: Virginia Indians’ Use of Natural Resources.” Dr. Rountree, a professor emeritus of anthropology at Old Dominion University, is widely acknowledged as the leading researcher and writer on Virginia Indians and one of the leading researchers on East Coast tribes. Dr. Rountree earned her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is the author of nine books.
November 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
George Whitewolf and Pam Talbott (both Monacan) will demonstrate their art. George works in leather crafts, and Pam does beadwork and feather applique. While presenting their program, they will talk with visitors while they show how each item is made.
For admission prices, dates and times contact the Virginia Museum of Natural History
21 Starling Avenue
Martinsville, VA 24112
Ph: 276-634-4141
Fax: 276-634-4199 (or email them at)
information@vmnh.virginia.gov
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I am an african american who has been told through the years that I had Indian ancestors. I also fouind out that Virginia changed Indians to colored in the Vital Statistics department. That is why I visited this website to learn as much as I can. My ancestors had to live a lie to survive and I am determined to get to the truth. Thank you.
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It is good to know you found the post to be helpful Marlene. Sounds like a challenging search. Hope you find all you are looking for.