TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan Humanities announced that a new Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit titled “Americans” will tour seven Michigan communities beginning in the summer of 2026. The tour will run through June 2027 and explores the historical and cultural ties between Native Americans and the United States.
The exhibition is part of the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street program and is based on a major display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington. It highlights how Native Americans have been an integral part of the nation’s identity since before its founding and offers new perspectives on U.S. history.
Jennifer Rupp, president and CEO of Michigan Humanities, said the exhibition offers a chance to examine the relationship between the state and local tribal groups. “This exhibit will create opportunities for awareness, understanding and exploring truths about the Tribal Nations and Indigenous Communities that live, work and share geography with the State of Michigan,” Rupp said.
The tour will span one year and include collaborations with local partners at each site. These communities will develop their own programming to supplement the exhibit and share regional stories regarding Native American history, culture and identity.
The tour begins in Traverse City at the Dennos Museum Center, where it will be on display from June 19 through Sept. 6, 2026. It then moves to the Menominee Range Historical Museum in Iron Mountain from Sept. 12 to Oct. 24, 2026. The Fowlerville District Library will host the exhibit from Oct. 31 to Dec. 12, 2026.In late 2026 and early 2027, the exhibit travels to the Lincoln Township Public Library in Stevensville from Dec. 19 to Jan. 30. The Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery in Big Rapids will follow as the host site from Feb. 4 through March 19, 2027.The final two stops include the Sanilac County Historical Museum in Port Sanilac from March 27 to May 8, 2027 and the Hamtramck Historical Museum from May 15 to June 26, 2027.
The tour is scheduled to begin June 19, 2026. Individuals can find more information about the exhibition and specific site details at the Michigan Humanities website.