Native American Dioramas in Transition January 3, 2010

The Exhibit Museum of Natural History has a set of 14 dioramas depicting Native American cultures. The dioramas are now almost 50 years old and are long-time favorites of many museum visitors. But both Native and non-Native visitors have eloquently spoken out against them. After years of trying to reconcile these differences through changes to the exhibits and new educational programs, the Museum has decided to take them off display in January 2010. This decision was guided by the University's and the Exhibit Museum's dedication to advancing scholarship and best practices, collaboration, and support of our diverse community. This interpretive exhibit overlay, 'Native American Dioramas in Transition,' explains some of the concerns about the dioramas, discusses new ways of learning about Native cultures, and provides an opportunity for comment.