Celebrate Heritage
Celebrate Heritage
New exhibits and classes offer a glimpse into the history of the Seneca Nation
Photos / SINM
Fall means something different for everyone. For some it means cozy sweatshirts, hot cider and books. (By some, I mean myself.) And for others it’s a time to get outside, view the colors of the changing leaves, go on hayrides and carve pumpkins. (Nothing wrong with any of those options either, honestly.) But don’t forget that our area also offers a great number of local places to visit during the fall season, such as the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum in the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, located at 82 West Hetzel Street, Salamanca, NY. EllicottvilleNOW spoke with museum director Hayden Haynes about what guests can look forward to when they visit this time of year.
eNOW: The museum staff have been very busy over 2024. Could you fill us in on any new exhibits or updates you've introduced?
HAYNES: We’ve added a new Hellbender exhibit this year, which includes 2 live (eastern) Hellbenders. Eastern Hellbenders are the largest salamanders in North American and can grow up to 2 feet long. The Allegheny River has one of the highest populations of these salamanders in New York State.
In addition, we have a new permanent exhibition on the famed Seneca War Chief - Cornplanter (a.k.a. John O’Bail). The exhibit focuses on Cornplanter descendants and the centerpiece of the exhibit is the original Cornplanter monument that was originally erected in 1866, and is thought to be the first monument dedicated to an Indigenous person in the United States.
Contemporary artwork by renowned artists such as Luanne Redeye and Ken Williams Jr. are included as well. There is an interactive kiosk where descendants can examine their family trees in order to trace their lineage to Cornplanter. Lastly, there is an updated exhibit on the 7 Dancing Stars exhibit including a projection of moon phases, video piece, and contemporary artwork.
eNOW: There are a variety of classes available at the museum throughout the year. Can you let us in on what remains for this year?
HAYNES: An exciting initiative is our new satellite [Work] space at 215 Broad Street in Salamanca. Currently on Mondays, the Ohi:yo’ Bead Group meets there and has open classes in the evenings from 5:00-7:00pm. We also have some dance/movement classes coming up. Supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (www.arts.gov), Native dance makers Sam Aros-Mitchell (Yaqui) and Rosy Simas (Seneca, Heron Clan) will emphasize gentle, mindful movement accessible to all skill levels, to help deepen the connection between body and the environment. Classes will be held October 26th, November 2nd and November 9th at the museum. And they will also be hosting “Dancing the Land” Youth Movement classes for ages 10-18, October 25th, 27th, November 1st and 3rd, location at the Cattaraugus Community Center. The same youth classes will also be held at the museum on October 26th, November 2nd, and November 9th. All classes are free and open to the public. Check our website for more information.
eNOW: What makes the museum a must-visit for someone who has never been?
HAYNES: In addition to our many exhibits, outdoors we have a 40-foot x 20-foot bark longhouse replica we call the “Living Longhouse”. Visitors can walk through this immersive space to see material culture, and observe an example of what the inside of a longhouse could have looked like. Our museum store has plenty of gifts including artwork, books, merchandise, foods, medicines, jewelry, and plenty of things for the children.
eNOW: What’s the best way to plan a visit?
HAYNES: First, check our website or social media to see open hours. We are currently open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am-4:30pm, not considering holidays and other variables to closing. If you are planning on seeing the Living Longhouse, we suggest allotting about 2 hours to fully see everything inside the building and outside. And please, feel free to ask questions to our very knowledgeable staff. To schedule a guided tour, call 716-945-1790.
Cost is Adults $13, Seniors (55+), Veterans and College Students $10, Children 7-17 $9 and Children 6 and under are FREE! The museum is very family (and pet) friendly. Kids really enjoy the Hellbenders, walking trails, and the Living Longhouse.
eNOW: What do you have in the works heading into 2025?
HAYNES: We will be having a new exhibit on Seneca community family heirlooms, where community members can exhibit pieces in their personal/family collection. We’ve got an open callout to members looking to share items including but not limited to: lacrosse sticks, baskets, moccasins, corn pounders, textiles, pottery, dolls, and more. In addition, we are revamping one of our permanent exhibits, On the Mother’s Side. The exhibit focuses on honoring the women and mothers of the Seneca Nation.
eNOW: Anything else you would like to share with the community?
HAYNES: The museum will be hosting an October Festival on October 19th from 4:00-8:00pm. There will be hayrides, a smoke dance contest, trunk or treat for the kids, a haunted hallway, donuts, cider and scary stories around the fire. This is a great event you don’t want to miss!
For more information on the museum and to keep up with exhibits and events, you can visit their Facebook page, their website at senecamuseum.org or call 716-945-1760.
