Salina will be one of seven Kansas communities to host the traveling exhibition Americans from the Smithsonian Institution in 2025 and 2026. This exhibition is based on a current display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, curated by Paul Chaat Smith (Comanche) and Cécile R. Ganteaume. Americans examines how American Indian images, names, and stories have influenced the nation’s identity since before its founding.
The exhibition features photographs, interactive displays, artifacts, and videos that encourage visitors to explore the history and representation of Native Americans in American culture. Humanities Kansas is presenting the Americans tour in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.
The Seven Kansas Locations that will feature the Americans Smithsonian Exhibition in 2025 and 2026 include:
Lawrence
August 23 – October 5, 2025
Cultural Center and Museum, Haskell Indian Nations University
Highland
October 11 – November 16, 2025
Iowa and Sac and Fox Mission Museum
Wichita
November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Mid-America All-Indian Museum
Mayetta
January 10 – February 22, 2026
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Salina
February 28 – April 5, 2026
Smoky Hill Museum
Liberal
April 11 – May 24, 2026
Seward County Community College
Bonner Springs
May 30 – July 5, 2026
Wyandotte County Historical Museum
