2025 Special Exhibitions

On View April 3 through November 30

 

“Once a Tree: Continuity, Creativity, and Connection” explores the deep-rooted significance of trees in Haudenosaunee culture, tradition, and creative expression. Featuring the work of 42 artists and more than 100 objects—including decorative and utilitarian baskets, cradleboards, snowshoes, ladles, lacrosse sticks, toys, instruments, carvings, and sleds—this exhibition highlights the important relationship between nature and artistry. Selected from the Museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition was created with guidance from curatorial consultants Terry Chrisjohn III (Oneida), Preston Jacobs (Mohawk), and Sheila Ransom (Mohawk).

 

"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.

 

Special Event: Front Entrance Ribbon Cutting

Friday, April 4, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a public ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Museum’s new reception area and shop! This project was made possible by generous funding from The Nicholas Juried Foundation and completed by Larry Gribben and his outstanding team at L. Gribben Woodworks.

 

Opening Reception for 2025 Special Exhibitions

Saturday, May 3, 1-4 p.m.

Join staff and curators for an opening and introduction to this year’s special exhibitions: “Once a Tree: Continuity, Creativity, and Connection” and “Separated but Unbroken: The Haudenosaunee Boarding School Experience.” Included in Museum admission.

 

Cobleskill-Richmondville Student Art Exhibit

On View May 20 through June 2

Opening Reception, Sunday, June 1, 2 p.m.

Selected works by second graders inspired by native cultures and created under the instruction of art teacher Lori Masterson will be presented in the lower level Children’s Museum. 

 

Workshop: Raised/Embossed Beading with Wilma Cook

Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Join Mohawk artist Wilma Cook Zumpano for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of raised beadwork, a technique practiced by Mohawk and Tuscarora artisans since the 1800s and popularized during the Victorian era. Participants will learn the basics of the technique and create designs such as flowers, leaves, or strawberries. Easy edge beading will also be taught.

Open to all skill levels, teens and adults. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag, hat, or jacket to embellish. All other materials will be provided.

Cost: $105 members / $115 non-members
Pre-registration is required by emailing heather@iroquoismuseum.org.

 

Social Dancers: The Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers

Saturday, May 24, dances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Experience the energy and tradition of Haudenosaunee social dances performed by the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers from Onondaga. Led by Sherri Waterman-Hopper—an internationally recognized artist and cultural speaker—the group features a core of seasoned singers, musicians, and talented young adults. Hopper, a respected designer and seamstress, also shares insights into the construction and cultural significance of traditional outfits.

Included in Museum admission.

 

Social Dancers: Niagara River Dancers

Saturday, July 5, dances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Hailing from Tuscarora Nation Territory, the Niagara River Iroquois Dancers were founded in 1982 by Orville and Nina Greene, who learned from elders Huron Miller and Ron LaFrance. Today, their children, Randy and Keeya, lead the group, honoring their parents’ teachings through precise craftsmanship, cultural pride, and a commitment to dance as a form of exchange and storytelling. Included in Museum admission.

 

Artist Demo: Basket Making with Ronnie Leigh Goeman

Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ronnie Leigh Goeman, an award-winning artist from the Onondaga Nation, blends tradition with individuality in her basketry. Known for her collaborations with Antler Carver Stonehorse Lone, her work features distinctive moose hair and quill embellishments. Throughout the day, she will demonstrate key aspects of her process and be available to answer questions. Included in Museum admission.

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Artist Demo: Lacrosse Stick Making with Preston Jacobs

Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mohawk craftsman Preston Jacobs, from Kahnawake, a Mohawk reserve near Montreal, has been a traditional woodworker for over two decades. While he creates a variety of handcrafted items, including cradleboards and baskets, this demonstration will focus on the art of lacrosse stick making. Throughout the day, he will showcase his process and be available to answer questions. Included in Museum admission.

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Workshop: Miniature Cradleboard Making with Preston Jacobs

Sunday, July 20, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Join Mohawk craftsman Preston Jacobs for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of cradleboard making. With over two decades of experience and a background as an instructor at the Kahnawake Survival School, Preston brings both expertise and enthusiasm to his teaching.

Participants will create a 12” x 4.5” miniature cradleboard (approximately 4/10 of actual size). The workshop is tailored to different skill levels: beginners will assemble pre-cut pieces, paint, and carve, while more experienced participants will tackle advanced techniques like steam bending, tapering, shaping, and drilling before carving and painting their boards.

Cost: $145 members / $155 non-members (materials included)
Pre-registration is required by emailing heather@iroquoismuseum.org.

 

Special Event: Roots, Rhythm, and Ale

Friday, Aug. 1, 5-9 p.m.

Join us for the Iroquois Museum’s lively annual fundraiser featuring headliner zydeco group The Rubber Band, 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: Mixed Media with Kit Thomas

Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.- noon or 1-3 p.m.
Join Akwesasne Mohawk artist Kit Thomas for a fun, no-pressure art-making experience! Explore mixed media by combining paint, collage, and found objects to create dynamic, layered pieces. Open to all skill levels—no experience needed, just creativity.

Cost: $10 per person

Pre-registration is required by emailing heather@iroquoismuseum.org.

 

Artist Demo: Basket Making with Carrie Hill

Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Carrie Hill, a full-time basket maker from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, carries on the generations-old tradition of crafting Black Ash splint and sweetgrass baskets while developing her distinctive style. Her work has earned regional awards and national and international recognition. Throughout the day, Carrie will demonstrate key steps in the basket-making process and share insights into this enduring Haudenosaunee art form. Included in Museum admission.

 

Workshop: Basket Making with Carrie Hill

Sunday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Join accomplished Mohawk artisan Carrie Hill for a hands-on workshop in traditional Black Ash splint basketry. Participants will learn about the Akwesasne connection to basket making, the process of preparing splints, and techniques such as simple weaves and curls. Under Carrie’s guidance, attendees will construct a square basket using hand-pounded natural and dyed splints provided by the artist.

Cost: $140 members/$150 non-members (includes materials)

Pre-registration is required by emailing heather@iroquoismuseum.org.

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Special Event: 42nd Annual Iroquois Arts Festival

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31, 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

 

Artist Demo: Moose Hair Tufting and Beadwork with Samantha Jacobs

Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Seneca artist Samantha Jacobs, from the Cattaraugus Reservation in western NY, is a skilled practitioner of traditional Haudenosaunee arts, with her work exhibited at prestigious venues nationwide. Recently, she added the rare and intricate craft of moose hair tufting and embroidery to her repertoire—a nearly forgotten art form. Join Samantha as she demonstrates this delicate and visually striking technique, sharing insights into its history and process. Included in Museum admission.

 

Workshop: Moose Hair Tufting with Samantha Jacobs

Sunday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Join Seneca artist Samantha Jacobs for a hands-on workshop exploring the rare art of moose hair tufting. Participants will learn the basics of this intricate technique while creating a unique, wearable pendant using a provided design template and all necessary supplies. A booklet with tufting examples will also be included for reference. The pendant will take approximately five hours to complete. This workshop is open to all skill levels but is not recommended for individuals with arthritis, dexterity issues, or fur allergies. 

Cost: $130 members/$140 non-members (materials included)

Pre-registration is required by emailing heather@iroquoismuseum.org.

 

Special Event: Early Technology Day

Saturday, Oct. 18, 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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Special Event: Scary Stories with Mandy Tarbell

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.

Join Mohawk storyteller Mandy Tarbell for an afternoon of 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.

 

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: info@iroquoismuseum.org.