News
Visit Our New Indigenous Peoples Gallery!
On July 23, 2022, the Dallin Museum opened its new Indigenous Peoples Gallery. Cyrus Dallin’s sculptures of Indigenous peoples elicit important, and sometimes difficult, conversations about race and representation. In particular, his Appeal to the Great Spirit at the MFA, Boston has become a flashpoint for public dialogue around stereotypes, Indigenous erasure, and settler colonialism. The new Indigenous Peoples Gallery explores these important topics in a way that honors past and present Indigenous perspectives and encourages continued learning.
Museum Director and Curator Heather Leavell developed the gallery’s interpretive themes and text in close consultation with Elizabeth Solomon, Elder of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag and Forrest Cuch, Elder of the Ute Tribe and former Director of Indian Affairs for the State of Utah. Both Solomon and Cuch read all exhibit text for accuracy and sensitivity.
Thematic panels explore Dallin’s work in the context of his time, artistic intentions, and advocacy, with a focus on his close relationships with Indigenous people and his vehement public criticism of U.S. genocidal policies. Text rails accompanying sculptures highlight perspectives on Dallin’s art by his Indigenous contemporaries. The exhibit also centers the stories of such influential figures as Chief Washakie (Eastern Shoshone), Francis LaFlesche (Omaha), Zitkála -Šá (Yankton Dakota), and Sacajawea (Lemhi Shoshone).
Additional thematic panels explore contemporary Indigenous views on Dallin’s art, the evolving role of the ally, Native stereotypes, and the importance of Indigenous-centered education. Contributors include Faries Gray, Sagamore of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag; Claudia Tekina-ru Fox Tree, Arawak (Yurumein) educator, and Forrest Cuch.
Additional highlights include:
• An audio conversation between Cyrus Dallin (his words read by a voice actor) and Forrest Cuch that reveals a fascinating synchronicity in views on Ute culture, the history of violence against Indigenous peoples, and the need for the truthful telling of history. Listen to the recording here.
• A white board with the question, “How can non-Native people learn about issues that are important to Indigenous people?” Visitors are invited to write down their ideas.
• A “Whose Land Are you on?” panel written by Elizabeth Solomon that prompts visitors to contemplate their presence on Indigenous lands.
• A new, wall-length panel in the Museum’s entry illustrating Dallin’s art and legacy through quotes by the sculptor’s students at the Massachusetts Normal Art School, his friend Chief LeRoy Perry (Aquinnah Wampanoag), and Jonathan Fairbanks, Founder of the American Decorative Arts and Sculpture Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
“This project represents the culmination of many years of research on Cyrus Dallin’s work as an ally and Indigenous rights advocate. It also reflects the Museum’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue on issues that are important to Indigenous people and impact all of us,” says Heather Leavell.
The Museum is grateful to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grant Program for supporting this project. State funds were facilitated by Representative Sean Garballey, who worked with a team from the Museum that included the Chair of the Friends of the Dallin Museum, Stephen Gilligan, and President of the Board of Directors, Geri Tremblay.
Newsletter Archive
Our December 2024 issue of News in High Relief is full of exciting updates, including details on the unveiling of our new “mini-Prado,” the acquisition of Dallin’s longbow and quiver, and progress on the digitization of Dallin’s personal archive. This issue also features special remembrances of James McGough and Denice Dallin Wheeler.
Past Issues:
News in High Relief, August 2024. Highlights: Completion of phase 1 of Euro-American Figures Gallery redesign; unveiling of Paul Revere No. 6 and Judge William Cushing; and reinstallation of the Angel Moroni statue on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Salt Lake City.
The Scout, Spring 2020. Highlights: Arlington Chamber of Commerce nomination of James McGough and Geri Tremblay as Citizens of the Year; acquisition of a Cyrus Dallin self portrait and the sculpture The Last Council; and newly discovered seal designed by Dallin for Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge (now Buckingham, Brown & Nichols).
The Scout, Fall/Winter 2019. Highlights: Recap of visit with Lakota youth from the Pine Ridge Reservation, remembering Museum treasurer Paul McGaffigan, spotlight interview with Barry Sloane and Linda Sloane Kay of Century Bank, and Art on the Green recap.
The Scout, Summer 2019. Highlights: Acquisition of a rare portrait by Dallin entitled Mrs. Hall’s Letter, Whittemore Park Revitalization Plan, generous gift from the Joan Pearson Watkins Revocable Trust, and MFA symposium recap.
The Scout, Winter 2018/19. Highlights: 20th anniversary celebration recap, unveiling of new paintings exhibit and portrait bust of Charles Lindbergh, spotlight interview with Coley Harden of Winchester Co-operative Bank, and remembering longtime Select Board member and Museum champion Kevin Greeley.
The Scout, Summer 2018. Highlights: New research on Dallin’s activism for the rights of Native peoples, sneak peak at Dallin’s bust of Charles Lindbergh, and Town of Arlington-funded restoration of Menotomy Hunter and Robbins Memorial Flagstaff.
The Scout, Fall 2018. Highlights: Jim McGough and the founding of the Dallin Museum, Lakota YouthStay visit, Summer Soiree recap, and Spotlight Interview with Rob Mirak of Mirak Automotive Group.