Programs

Public Programs Associated with the Special Exhibition
In Citizen's Garb: Southern Plains Native Americans, 1889-1891

Logo for In Citizen's Garb: Southern Plains Native Americans, 1889-1891. The 1880s and 1890s were decades of tremendous upheaval for many Native Peoples in Texas.

Numerous Indian reservations were opened in the Oklahoma and Indian Territories during this time and large-scale efforts were made to force the Native Peoples to adopt Euro-American ways.

In Citizen’s Garb: Southern Plains Native Americans, 1889–1891, explores how dress — and life — changed for the Kiowa and Comanche tribes as they gradually adjusted to the new way of life required by the United States government.

Previous Programs Associated with the Special Exhibition
In the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions

Visitors create their own beadwork during the opening of In Citizen's Garb. Opening Day
Saturday, September 15
1-4 pm

The Museum will host FREE Family opening day activities for this special exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to explore traditional arts and crafts of Texas Native Peoples by creating beaded artwork to take home. Storytelling and demonstrations will also be available at the Explore the Story Learning Station with regular paid admission to the special exhibition.

A special exhibit gallery performance of Encounter at Panther Cave highlights Austin Museum Day at the Museum. Austin Museum Day
Gallery Theater: Encounter at Panther Cave
Sunday, September 23
1-4 pm
FREE

Celebrate the 10th Annual Austin Museum Day with a special gallery theater performance. Set in a Texas rock shelter, a modern day archeologist encounters the spirit of one of the images painted on the wall, a Panther Shaman. Travel back in time and hear the shaman's story of the prehistoric people who lived and hunted in ancient Texas. This play is written by Bruce Milligan and presented in cooperation with the Witte Museum, San Antonio.

The Austin Museum Partnership hosts Austin Museum Day, featuring some 30 museums that offer free admission and special events, on September 23. The Museum offers free admission to exhibits, regular admissions apply to IMAX® Theatre and Texas Spirit Theater presentations. Go to www.austinmuseums.org for more information on Museum Day.

Kiowa beadworker Vanessa Jennings personally greets everyone in the audience during her presentation. Explore the Story
Saturday, October 13
1 - 4 pm
Free with exhibit admission

Vanessa Paukeigope Jennings, award-winning Kiowa bead worker, and Carl Jennings, powwow regalia maker, demonstrate their artful skill in the making of beaded buckskin dresses, leggings, cradle boards, and ceremonial regalia.

Visitors join dancers in the Snake Dance. Explore the Story
Sunday, November 4
Free
First Floor Lobby

1-2 pm Join drummers and dancers from the 16th Annual Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival.

2-4 pm Displays of traditional arts and crafts at the Explore the Story Learning Station.

Panel discussion on the traditions of Powwow in the Texas Spirit Theater. Visions and Voices
Powwow: Then and Now
Sunday, November 4
2 - 4 pm
Texas Spirit Theater
Free; Reservations Required

Tim Tall Chief, Osage from Oklahoma and long-time celebrated Master of Ceremonies of the Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival, will guide a lively and informative conversation about Powwow traditions of the past and the present. Panel members will include Kricket Rhoads-Connywerdy, dancer and storyteller from the Kiowa and Caddo tribes, and Edward Black Jr., dancer from the Cheyenne and Arahapo nations. Explore the evolution and diversity of this powerful ceremony. Please call (512) 936-4649 to make your reservation.

Image of Jhane Myers-Noisecat. Explore the Story
Sunday, January 6, 2008
1 - 4 pm
Free with exhibit admission

Join award-winning Comanche powwow dancer and regalia maker, Jhane Myers-Noisecat, for a personal demonstration of beadworking techniques and its history.

Explore how traditional designs, materials, and decorative styles are incorporated into the creation of contemporary beaded dresses and dancing regalia. Find out more...