Smithsonian’s ‘Americans’ exhibit centers Native impact on U.S. identity
The opening features an Indigenous vendor market and historical lecture
The traveling Smithsonian exhibit “Americans” will make its South Carolina debut Saturday, Aug. 22, at University of South Carolina Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center, according to reporting from WIS News 10.
The exhibition explores the profound role American Indians have played in shaping U.S. history, popular culture, and national identity. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian developed the exhibit, and Museum on Main Street adapted it for travel.
South Carolina Humanities is supporting the state tour, which will visit six communities from August 2026 through June 2027. The exhibition highlights the enduring presence of American Indians in the nation’s identity since before the country began.
To celebrate the opening, an Indigenous vendor market will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As part of the program, USC Lancaster Assistant Professor of History Evan Nooe will present a lecture at 11 a.m., available both in person and virtually.
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