NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

We are getting close to the end of our trip and we are wrapping up with a few of the places we haven't had a chance to visit yet.  And Grandpa needs a break from kids.  So, GG and the four boys went to the Capitol Mall with plans to visit the Indian Museum and the Air and Space Museum.

 

Grandpa dropped us off so GG didn't have to find parking and we all stopped in front of the Indian Museum, by the waterfall, and GG told us that we could explore the museum on our own or stay with her while she explored the museum.  We all agreed to meet back at the waterfall at 12:30.

There was a special Choctaw exhibition going on in the museum this week, with songs, dances and rituals being performed by real Choctaw Indians.  The first floor was filled with special exhibits and tables with crafts, tribal information, etc.

One of the things that I like about the Indian culture, and it comes out very clearly in the exhibits, is how close the Indian culture is with nature.  Reverence and respect for nature, the importance of living in harmony with nature and the appreciation for the gifts of nature are entwined and intrinsic in the Indian culture.

I started my visit by going to the fourth floor to see the film, "Who We Are".  Last time we visited the museum we found it to be very "preachy" about the abuses Indians have suffered over the years.  As a child of the 1940s I accept no responsibility for these abuses and resent attempts to make me feel bad about it.  I am a child born of many different cultures--true, they are all European--and our clan has adapted and integrated into American life.  We don't stand around feeling dissed or slighted because we are Portuguese, German or Swedish.  So, don't you stand around feeling dissed or slighted because you are Indian.  Anyway, I found the film to be less "poor me" than the last time we visited.

One part of the museum that I always love are the Indian stories about the stars.  These stories are rustically illustrated and presented in video shows and are interesting and fun to watch.  I spent some time at both screens watching about 8 short stories.

I strolled through the area that highlights several different tribes, their industries, lives and customs. Then I watched a live performance of a prayer that looked almost Hawaiian in hand movements, and some dances, and various Choctaw chieftains were introduced.  There was a very nice display of Indian pottery, some of it very old, and pottery techniques.

By then it was time to meet the kids, so I went to the waterfall and they were all there.  We went to the food court where they all had buffalo burgers for lunch.

On to the Air and Space Museum.  I made the same deal with the boys--they could explore on their own or stay with me--and they all opted to go on their own.  We agreed to meet in front of the museum at 2pm and I called Grandpa, who was reveling in his day off, and told him to pick us up at 2pm.

In the Air and Space Museum I enjoyed the large exhibit about Amelia Earhart and her disappearance in the South Pacific, and then I went in search of Orville and Wilbur Wright's Flyer.  They have done a very nice job of presenting a photo biography of the brothers, describing their parentage, childhood experiences and training that lead to their interest in inventing a flying machine.

There was a good section about WWI and how the new invention of aircraft was utilized in this war, and then there was a WWII section with an example of an aircraft carrier and the kind of aircraft used, with wings that fold up for more compact storage.

I strolled through the spacecraft display, wondering at the tight space capsules, examining the lunar module, exploring the International Space Station model, and the missile pit.  Now it was time to see if the boys would show up at the meeting place.  

I parked myself on a wall outside the exit and sure enough, here they came and then we had to wait for grandpa for a bit, but the whole excursion went very smoothly.  Good job boys, for meeting on time.  And, good job Grandpa for picking us up on time.

We had bbq chicken and corn for dinner and then it was time for showers, phone calls and bed.  Later that night Grandpa Skyped with Grandpa Jerry and when he explained that he needed to have a day off, Grandpa Jerry, the most patient person in the world, agreed and said that he has become a "two-hour grandpa".  Don decided he would be a "5 hour grandpa".