Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians
Unique in many ways, Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians is the only major museum exhibit organized around American Indians’ relationships with the natural world. The Hall employs a variety of exhibition techniques to thoroughly engage visitors. A rich array of nearly 1,000 historical and contemporary artifacts from the Carnegie Museum’s collection is displayed. These objects come to life in a dynamic environment boasting highly realistic dioramas illustrating American Indian lifestyles in the 19th and 20th centuries.
About 50 Native Americans partnered with Carnegie Museum of Natural History to develop the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians. Their historical and cultural knowledge, personal experiences and belongings, talents, artwork, and guidance shaped the messages and impact of the hall. Some artifacts were created specifically for the exhibit by contemporary artists, and all of the human figures featured in the dioramas were made from casts of living American Indian individuals.
The Web Site
This website was developed and designed by Carnegie Museum of Natural History to complement the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians. Unless otherwise noted, photographs were taken by Tom Barr. Please direct any questions or comments to cmnhweb@carnegiemnh.org.
Funding for the site was provided by the Mudge Foundation.
Educator Resources
Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers a range of educational programming related to Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians. Resources for schools and groups include tours, classes, outreach programs, and special publications. Most programs can be custom-designed to meet the needs of a specific group.
Group Visits
Please see field trips for more information on tours and classes customized to meet your curriculum needs.
Discovery Room
The Discovery Room allows your students to investigate American Indian-related topics in a hands-on environment.
Outreach Programs
Bring the museum to your location through on-site visits, videoconferencing, material loans, and more. See our educator resources for more information.
Publications
To order, call Jerry Farber at the Natural History Store, 412.622.1989 or farberg@carnegiemuseums.org, or contact the Scientific Publications department.
North, South, East, West: American Indians and the Natural World by Marsha C. Bol. Paperback: $24.95; Clothbound, $40.
The official catalogue of the Alcoa Foundation Hall of Native Americans! Further explore museum collections through hundreds of photos, native quotes, and more.
Stars Above, Earth Below: American Indians and Nature, edited by Marsha C. Bol. Paperback: $19.95.
This collection of thirteen essays investigates the relationship between American Indians and the environment.
Discover American Indian Ways: A Carnegie Activity Book by Pamela Soeder, illustrated by Bill Powless. Paperback: $4.95.
An entertaining and informative activity book for children ages 8 to 12. Learn about American Indians on a cross-country road trip featuring puzzles, games, and more.