Programs & Events
Saturday, May 6, 1-3 pm (welcome remarks at 1:15)
Chief Washakie Unveiling Open House
Free
Celebrate the legacy of Chief Washakie and be among the first to view the Museum’s recently acquired Cyrus Dallin bronze of this famous Eastern Shoshone leader. This meticulously detailed, c. 1944 cast bears the mark of Dallin’s authorized foundry, the Gorham Manufacturing Company. This new statue replaces an inferior cast of Washakie owned by the Museum that had been produced after Dallin’s death by an unknown foundry.
This event will feature special recorded remarks by John Washakie, great grandson of Chief Washakie, who shares his thoughts on Washakie’s enduring legacy. Dallin Museum Director Heather Leavell will discuss the history of the statue and the differences in quality between the Museum’s two castings. Visitors will also be welcome to tour the galleries and enjoy refreshments in Whittemore Park.
About Chief Washakie (c. 1804-1900)
Washakie was the chief of the Eastern Shoshone for more than 60 years. A multilingual warrior and diplomat, he chose a strategy of alignment with encroaching settlers to ensure the future wellbeing of his people. Washakie negotiated with the federal government on the Fort Bridger Treaties of 1863 and 1868 to secure three million acres in the Wind River Valley of present-day Wyoming. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho remain on these lands today.
The Dallin Museum is deeply grateful to John Washakie, and to Alejandra Robinson, Public Relations Director and Archives Manager for the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, for providing this recording to educate our visitors on Chief Washakie’s extraordinary legacy and the resilience of his people.
The Eastern Shoshone Tribe also recommends the following educational videos about Chief Washakie:
Wyoming PBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm4vcpHkGNo&t=99s
Jackson Hole Museum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iEreSHA1cs&t=4s
Willie LeClair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CswSSCjdYyI
Contribute to our acquisition fund!
In December 2022, the Museum made a significant investment in the collection by purchasing the Chief Washakie statue from a local collector, who had offered it as a partial gift. Help the Museum rebuild its acquisition fund by making a tax-deductible gift here or by sending a check payable to the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Inc. to P.O. Box 266, Arlington, MA 02476. Thank you!
Thursday, May 25, 6-7 pm
Sculpture + Architecture Walking Tour: Cyrus Dallin & Arlington Center
Free
Experience the masterful public works created by the celebrated American sculptor, Cyrus Dallin, for his adopted hometown. Learn the stories behind notable memorials and historic buildings, including the Uncle Sam Memorial Statue (1976), Soldiers & Sailors Monument (1887), and the art deco Arlington Co-operative Bank (1934). Before or after the tour, plan to visit one of the many wonderful restaurants in Arlington Center. This tour is great for art and history enthusiasts of all ages!
This experience is being offered in conjunction with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area’s Hidden Treasure’s Program. Reserve your spot here.
Begins in front of the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum at 611 Mass. Ave. in Arlington. Metered parking is available in the municipal lot behind the building.
Can’t make it? Register for an upcoming Thursday evening tour on one of the following dates: June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28. Please note: Admission for the June-August tours is $10, $5 for members and students, and free for children 13 and under
Past Program Videos
Virtual Unveiling of Two Cyrus Dallin Paintings: Mrs. Hall’s Letter & Self Portrait
Aired November 16, 2021
Fans of Cyrus Dallin’s sculptural work may be surprised to learn that he was also an accomplished painter. Experience the unveiling of two recently acquired and restored paintings by the artist. Dallin Museum Director/Curator, Heather Leavell, discusses the fascinating history behind a rare 1884 oil portrait of Susan Frothingham Hall, in whose Charlestown, MA home Dallin lived during a crucial period of his early career. She also shares insights on Dallin’s 1915 self-portrait (the only two-dimensional likeness by the artist known to exist) and details of the painting restoration process. Leavell is joined by some key supporters who made these acquisitions possible: Jacqueline Dennis of Columbia, CA, a great grandniece of Cyrus Dallin, and Andrew and Irene Jay of Charlestown, MA.
The Dallin Museum is grateful to the Arlington Cultural Council and members of the Dallin family for funds to support the restoration of these paintings.
Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day: Ute Elder Forrest Cuch on History and Healing
Aired October 7, 2021
Forrest Cuch, Ute Tribal Elder and former Director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, discusses the history of oppression of the Utah Tribes within the context of the Doctrine of Discovery, a principle of international law that was used to justify centuries of colonial violence against Indigenous peoples. Cuch explores the still-present effects of this Doctrine and provide insight into a broad range of issues impacting Indigenous communities in the U.S. today. He also shares his thoughts on how to learn from the past and build a more just and equitable world for all.
This program builds on Cyrus Dallin’s lifelong commitment to listening to and learning from the Ute people, with whom established close relationships during his formative years in Utah Territory.
Cyrus Dallin’s Paul Revere: A 57 Year Quest to Raise Boston’s Most Iconic Monument
Aired April 7, 2021
Learn about the origins of this bronze statue, beloved by Bostonians and recognized around the world as an emblematic image of the city and spirit behind the War of Independence. Born on the Utah frontier, Cyrus Dallin was just twenty two years old and freshly arrived in Boston for artistic training when in 1883 he entered and won the City’s competition to honor Paul Revere’s legacy with a monument in Copley Square. It was not until 1940 – fifty seven years and seven versions of the statue later – that Dallin’s vision was realized in the North End’s Prado where it stands today. This program was jointly presented with the Paul Revere Memorial Association.
Sculpture in Service of Social Justice: Cyrus Dallin’s Tributes to this Land’s Indigenous Peoples
Aired February 16, 2021
Heather Leavell, Cyrus Dallin Art Museum Director and Curator, explores the history of Cyrus Dallin’s Menotomy Hunter, Massasoit Ousamequin, and Appeal to the Great Spirit in the context of the sculptor’s work as an Indigenous rights activist and educator. Learn how Dallin employed his position as an internationally acclaimed sculptor to advance Indigenous rights through humanizing portrayals of Indigenous peoples, extensive public education, and efforts to reform harmful federal vanishing policies. Leavell discusses Dallin’s close, collaborative relationships with Indigenous leaders and non-Native activists, and the positive impacts of their work together. She also shares what allies today might learn from Dallin’s example.
NewTV’s Museum Open House – Cyrus Dallin Art Museum
Aired October 26, 2020
The Dallin Museum was recently featured on Museum Open House, a show produced by NewTV (Newton, MA) that highlights outstanding museums and cultural organizations throughout the region. This episode features a behind-the-scenes tour spotlighting significant works in the collection, a brief illustrated history of Cyrus Dallin, and a discussion about the Museum’s founding and current activities.
Virtual Unveiling of Auvers-sur-Oise
Aired: Thursday, October 15, 2020
Experience the unveiling of a newly acquired and restored Cyrus Dallin painting from the comfort of your own home! The c. 1890 oil on canvas entitled Village Road, Auvers-sur-Oise, was given to the Museum as a long-term loan by Cyrus Dallin’s great granddaughter Patricia McCabe. Our virtual unveiling will feature an interview with Patricia, who will share some special family memories and anecdotes. Director Heather Leavell will discuss the restoration process, and Board Director Geri Tremblay will explore the reasons why such a celebrated sculptor would also love to paint.
We are grateful to Arlington Community Media, Inc. for assisting us in producing this program and to the Arlington Cultural Council for funds to support the restoration of Auvers-sur-Oise. The ACC is a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Menotomy Hunter and Native American Images: Virtual Forum and Discussion
Aired: Thursday, October 8, 2020
Against the backdrop of the national dialogue over Native American sports mascots, community members in Arlington have been questioning the appropriateness of using Cyrus Dallin’s Menotomy Hunter as a logo or mascot for town entities. This virtual forum will explore the history of the Hunter statue and associated imagery and center Indigenous perspectives on the appropriation of Native American imagery by non-Native groups. Organized by the Arlington Human Rights Commission in partnership with the Dallin Museum and Arlington Public Schools.
Panelists:
Faries Gray, Sagamore of the Massachusett Tribe of Ponkapoag
Danielle Kost, Resident and Algonquin tribe member
Kimberly Kost Okitsu, Resident and Algonquin tribe member
Heather Leavell, Director & Curator of the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum
Dr. Matthew Janger, AHS principal
Louisa Baldwin, AHS student