2026 Special Exhibitions

On View April 2 through November 29

 

“Talkin' bout A Revolution: A Haudenosaunee Response to the 250th”

As we welcome 2026, cities across the country are preparing to celebrate a pivotal milestone in American history – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Parades, reenactments, and commemorations of the founding fathers focus on the hope and heroism that have come to symbolize the birth of a new nation, while largely disregarding its decisive impact on Indigenous nations.  Artists Peter Jemison, Sayokla Kindness, Carla Hemlock, Shelley Niro, Trevor Brant, and others will offer their insightful, at times divergent, viewpoints on this foundational American anniversary.  Exhibit features sculpture, beadwork, painting, digital works, and more.

 

Held over from last Season: 

"Separated but Unbroken: The Haudenosaunee Boarding School Experience" explores the lasting impact of the Thomas Indian School, once located on the Cattaraugus Reservation south of Buffalo, NY, and the Mohawk Institute near Branford, Ontario. These institutions, which enrolled a significant number of Haudenosaunee students, were part of a larger system that sought to erase Indigenous identities while deeply shaping the lives of those who endured them. Co-curated by Erin Keaton (Mohawk), the exhibition sheds light on Haudenosaunee resilience.

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​Roots, Rhythm, and Ale - Friday, Aug. 7, 5-9 p.m.

Join us for the Iroquois Museum’s lively annual fundraiser featuring headliner zydeco group The Rubber Band, opening band North Slope, dancing, an artisan market, delicious food and beer for purchase, and a silent auction. Admission: $20 includes Museum admission, a commemorative cup, and a beer ticket; $10 includes Museum admission and concert only. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s education programs. 

 

Social Dancers:  Allegany River Indian Dancers

Saturday, August 22, dances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Founded in 1979, the Allegany River Indian Dancers have become one of the best-known Native dance groups in the United States and Canada today. The group has traveled throughout North America, sharing traditional Iroquois social dances. The group is also well known for its repertoire of Intertribal "Pow wow" style dances. Their performances often feature Bill Crouse's hoop dance. This style of dance involves 30 hoops used to make various formations or designs representing things from nature. Through group performances (which often include audience participation) and lecture presentations, this group has taught large audiences about Seneca history and culture.  Included in Museum admission.

 

43rd Annual Iroquois Arts Festival -  Saturday and Sunday, Sept 5th and 6th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate Haudenosaunee creativity at this vibrant event featuring an all-Iroquois Art Market showcasing both traditional and contemporary arts and fine crafts.

Highlights include:

• Sky Dancers from Six Nations Reserve (Ontario) performing traditional Iroquois social dances, with opportunities for the public to join in.

• Special Guest - Singer/Songwriter Darryl Tonemah performing his Native Americana music.

• Onondaga storyteller Perry Ground, captivating audiences with dramatic tales of daring feats and adventures

• A family activity area with hands-on crafts.

• Wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin, discussing regional conservation and presenting native animals, including birds of prey.

• The Museum’s archaeology department, offering artifact identification and demonstrations of early technologies like flintknapping.

Immerse yourself in Haudenosaunee art, culture, and storytelling.

Cost: $8 members/$10 non-members/$5 children ages 5-17/free children under 5 includes Museum admission.

 

Special Event:  Wild About Nature

Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Birds, butterflies, and botany!  9/19/2026 is ALL about NATURE here at the Museum!  Plant ecologist Sue Beatty will conduct guided trail walks throughout the day.  Akwesasne Mohawk herbalist Alicia Cook will give a presentation on plants and their interconnectedness to Haudenosaunee culture, and offer her Canoe Women Herbs products for purchase.  This event will also include Wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin with her birds of prey, storytelling by Mandy Tarbell, and a scavenger hunt with prizes.  Included in Museum admission.

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Extra Special Event: Wild About Nature; Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) Nature Merit Badge Day

Saturday, September 19, 10 am – 3 pm

Our newly approved Merit Badge Counselors, the Iroquois Museum will be holding a Nature Merit Badge opportunity for local Scouts.  Pre-registration is needed.  Please contact heather@iroquoismuseum.org.  Cost will be $25.00 per Scout.

 

Yoga with Colleen: Fall Equinox, Tuesday, September 22, 5:00 pm 

Celebrate the fall equinox with a beginning yoga class at the Iroquois Museum, led by a lifelong educator.  Colleen Sheehan brings humor and experience to the yoga classroom.  Flow through yoga sequences and deep breath work, plus a short meditation for maximum stress relief and relaxation.  Achieve tranquility of the mind and spirit while also building strength.  All fitness levels are welcome; no prior yoga experience is required.  Please bring a mat and water. 

$15.00 for Museum Members/Non-Members.  All donations support the Museum’s education programs.

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FALL SPEAKER SERIES: Cynthia Neale and Jaime Montour

Sunday, September 27, at 1 pm

Whose Revolution? Whose Freedom?  A Storytelling Journey for Truth and Healing     

The roles and perspectives of Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked. Thousands of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), including Queen Catharine Montour, a leader of her people, were swept up into this tsunami for freedom. Come hear the story of this unsung heroine and her people by a writer who answered the call to tell it. Author Cynthia G. Neale will be joined by Knowledge Keeper Jaime Montour, who will share her unique perspective as a descendant of Catharine Montour. Please join us as author and descendant discuss their storytelling journey for truth and healing.  Included in Museum admission. FUNDED IN PART BY New York State Education Department's America 250 Initiative

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FALL SPEAKER SERIES: Sunday, October 4 at 1pm -  Mike Tarbell

Louis Cook: An American Patriot

Mohawk educator, Mike Tarbell will recount the family and military history of his 7th generation grandfather Louis Cook. Lieutenant Colonel Louis Cook, Mohawk was a commissioned officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He fought on the side of the French during the French & Indian War. In 1756 he was wounded during a skirmish with Roger’s Rangers. Cook was present at the Battle of Oriskany and with the Continental Army at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777. FUNDED IN PART BY New York State Education Department's America 250 Initiative

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FALL SPEAKER SERIES: Sunday, October 11 at 1pm - Vic DiSanto

The 1779 Invasion of Iroquoia: Scorched Earth as Described by Continental Soldiers
The journals of Continental Army soldiers provide a window to view Iroquoia in 1779 as well as an opportunity to learn about the devastating impact and brutality of the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign, which resulted in the total destruction of forty villages. The speaker will lead a discussion by using these journals to describe what the soldiers found and did as they marched through Iroquoia. FUNDED IN PART BY New York State Education Department's America 250 Initiative

 

Early Technology Day - Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Early Technology Day invites visitors to explore ancient skills and survival techniques through interactive demonstrations. Experience flint knapping (the art of making chipped stone tools), fire making, cordage making, atlatl spear throwing, and early archery. The Museum’s archaeology department will showcase projectile points, tools, and local archaeological finds, offering insights into early technologies. If you have a potential artifact, bring it along—Museum experts will be available to help identify it. Included in Museum admission. 

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FALL SPEAKER SERIES: Sunday, October 18 at 1pm -  Jeff O’Connor

"Torn Asunder - the Schoharie Region as a Battlefield"

From the breaking of the Covenant Chain on August 6, 1777 to the end of the American Revolution in 1783, the once peaceful European and Haudenosaunee communities along, and neighboring, the Schoharie Valley devolved into a brutal civil war. Battles, loss, and the destruction of a way of life were visited upon by all; few escaped unscathed. Whether supporting their Congress or King, there was a price to pay to defend what participants believed was their vision of freedom. Author and historian Jeff O'Connor will explore these themes to help better understand the points of conflict in this area and the lasting impressions made on how they are remembered.FUNDED IN PART BY New York State Education Department's America 250 Initiative

 

FALL SPEAKER SERIES: Sunday, October 25 at 1pm - Perry Ground

The Haudenosaunee During the Revolutionary War 

The American Revolution was a time of great change in North America. The Haudenosaunee were at the center of this conflict because it was contested on, and for, their lands in what is now New York State. But the Revolution divided the Confederacy as British and American forces pulled Native People into the conflict against their desire to remain neutral. This lively and detailed presentation will explore the role of the Haudenosaunee in the Revolutionary War -efforts to stay neutral, choosing sides, individual battles – as well as the long-lasting effects this conflict had on the Confederacy – covering the council fire, Sullivan-Clinton campaign, loss of land, and diaspora of people. FUNDED IN PART BY New York State Education Department's America 250 Initiative

 

Scary Stories with Mandy Tarbell

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10:30

Join Mohawk storyteller Mandy Tarbell for spine-tingling tales perfect for the Halloween season. These traditional stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, with Mandy skillfully tailoring each tale to suit the age of her audience. Included in Museum admission.

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These events are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and friends and members of the Iroquois Museum. For more information, contact Museum Director Steph Shultes at info@iroquoismuseum.org.