2026 Special Exhibitions

On View April 2 through November 29

 

“Talkin ‘bout A Revolution, The 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 Jamison, 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.

 

Extremely Special Event – Little Boy’s 15th Birthday

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Please join the staff, volunteers, and the Schoharie County Animal Shelter to celebrate our Museum Cat’s 15th birthday.  It’s a party you won’t want to miss with children’s activities, adoptable kittens, raffles, and homemade birthday cupcakes.  Watch for the Museum’s GoFundMe campaign to benefit the Museum and the Animal Shelter.  Admission to the Museum will be free for this event.

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Opening Reception for 2026 Special Exhibitions

Sunday, May 17, 1-4 p.m.

Join us for an opening and insight into this year’s feature exhibition “Talkin ‘Bout a Revolution: A Haudenosaunee Response to the 250th”.  From Oneida, Wisconsin, to Akwesasne, participating artists will discuss their thought-provoking pieces and dialogue with each other and the audience about this widely celebrated American anniversary.  Q & A will follow.  Several of the artists will join the event in person or via Zoom, streamed live at the Museum.  Refreshments will be served.  Included in Museum admission. 

 

Cobleskill-Richmondville Student Art Exhibit

Tuesday, May 26th – June 7th, 2026

Opening Reception May 31, 2026, 2-4 pm.

Selected works by second & fourth graders inspired by native cultures and created under the instruction of art teacher Lori Masterson will be presented in the lower-level Interactive Museum.  Included in Museum admission.

 

Social Dancers: TBA

Saturday, May 23, dances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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Yoga with Colleen: Summer Solstice Sunday, June 21, 5:00 pm

Celebrate the start of summer 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.

 

Social Dancers:  Chris Thomas & the Ongwe’hon:wehkah Smoke Dancers

Saturday, July 11, dances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 

Special Event: 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. 

 

Workshop:  Tom Huff

Saturday, August 8, Soapstone Carving, 10 am – 4 pm

Join this highly accomplished Seneca-Cayuga sculptor for a day of creative experimentation in 3-dimensions.  Easy to learn basics using soapstone, rasps, chisels, and other hand tools.  Open to adults and children ages 10 and up.  Class will be held outdoors.  All materials provided.  Members $90/Nonmembers $100, which includes a $20 materials fee.  Preregistration is required; please contact heather@iroquoismuseum.org.

 

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.

 

Special Event: 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.

• 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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Special Event:  Guest Speakers, Cynthia Neale and Jamie Montour

Sunday, September 27, time 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.

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Special Event: 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.

 

Special Event: 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.