There are well over 100 Native American museums in the United States, and the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum of Warner was recently ranked sixth in the top 10 best museums of its kind in the country. Powwows.com rated the New Hampshire museum for its incredible displays of artifacts and how it showcases the living Native American culture through events, powwows and its annual Harvest Moon and Naturefest, a traditional harvest celebration.
The museum was especially recognized for its guided tours inside, which give visitors a greater understanding of the many exhibits. Outside tours through the Medicine Woods, showcase over 100 native plants that Native Americans historically used for food, medicine and shelter. The museum was also recognized for reclaiming this corner of the property that had been used as a private farm dump.
“We’re pleased to be recognized as one of the top ten Native American Museums in the country,” said Andrew Bullock, Executive Director of the MKIM. “Rather than a ‘bigger is better’ approach, this award recognizes our unique efforts to educate visitors through displays, events and workshops, which foster a better understanding of contemporary Native issues and responsible environmental stewardship.”
Just one mile up Kearsarge Mt. Road from downtown Warner, the 25-year-old Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum sits on 12.5 acres of meticulous grounds, with an arboretum and sweeping views of Warner’s Mink Hills.
“The arboretum features over 85 species of trees from North America and beyond. It’s the link between our artifacts and the importance of sound environmental stewardship. Visitors can see an elm tree growing in the arboretum, and then come into the museum to see examples of elm bark containers made by local Native craftspeople,” Bullock said.
The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum is open by appointment during the winter, and will reopen with regular hours May 1. Events and workshops scheduled during the winter and other information may be found on indianmuseum.org.