“Our” Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History, an educational and cultural exhibit about the history and traditions of the Wampanoag tribe, unveiled a new chapter “Tisquantum Returns” last month. The new chapter was officially unveiled at the Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut. The new section features three panels and a 7-minute video depicting Tisquantum’s (known as Squanto) return to the Patuxet village shortly after the Great Dying of 1616-1619.
The exhibit is open to the public at the Tantaquidgeon Museum through December 20th. You may also view the video online at www.mittark.com.
“Our”Story is an interactive traveling exhibit, told in the Native voice, which shines a light on historic events that had a significant impact on the Wampanoag tribe, their relationship with the Mayflower Pilgrims, and the founding of Plymouth Colony, cornerstone events that shaped America’s earliest beginnings. Plymouth 400 worked closely with its Wampanoag Advisory Committee, with representation from both the Aquinnah Wampanoag and Mashpee Wampanoag tribes, in the creation of the exhibit.
Each year, a new theme is added to the exhibit; the first installation debuted in 2014 with “Captured 1614,” a critical back story to colonization and the roots of the American holiday, Thanksgiving. “The Messenger Runner” added new context regarding the Wampanoag tribe’s communication traditions. The “The Great Dying,” depicts the catastrophic effects of a plague that devastated the Wampanoag nation between 1616 and 1619. “Powwow” was introduced in November 2017. It explores the traditions around gathering and giving thanks with a mix of interactive video, contemporary native art, and photos collected by the Mashpee and Aquinnah powwows, held annually in July and September respectively. In November of 2018 the “Governance” chapter was added with a focus on the unique style of governance practiced by the Wampanoag and other Algonquin nations. This style was so appealing to the founding fathers of the United States that many elements are reflected in the Constitution. And now, Chapter 6 “Squanto Returns” is now on display at Tantaquidgeon Museum in Uncasville, Connecticut. Kidnapped in 1614, learn how Squanto finally found his way home and what he had to return to.
Plymouth 400 commissioned a Native design team to create “Our” Story to ensure that the exhibit was thoroughly representative of the history of New England’s indigenous peoples. The Indian Spiritual and Cultural Training Council Inc. and SmokeSygnals Marketing and Communications conceptualized, researched, and produced “Our” Story, and members of the Mashpee and Aquinnah Wampanoag tribes portrayed historical figures for the exhibit. The creation of this exhibit aligns with Plymouth 400’s mission to create a commemoration that is historically accurate and culturally inclusive, as indigenous peoples have declined participation or faced misrepresentation and even omission from previous anniversary events.
“Perceptions from Plymouth’s earliest period became etched into the American story when President Lincoln used the iconic symbol of the Wampanoag people and English colonists feasting together in 1621 as a representation of cooperation as he proclaimed our national holiday, Thanksgiving,” said Michele Pecoraro, Executive Director of Plymouth 400. “Plymouth 400 is committed to creating a commemoration that is historically accurate, which means addressing the realities of the story that don’t reflect the simplified and often inaccurate depictions of the First Thanksgiving. This exhibit is intended to create conversations around these crucial realities in our history in an informative and authentic way, honoring the contributions of both cultures and recognizing the complexities of their relationship.”
“Our”Story was displayed at both Mashpee and Aquinnah Powwows in 2015, in addition to many museums, libraries, and other venues throughout New England. It received international media attention upon its debut for telling “the story of Squanto, and the millions he represents” (Public Radio International) and for “changing Thanksgiving’s history” (The Boston Globe). For more information on this exhibit, visit www.plymouth400inc.org/OurStory
