ONEIDA INDIAN NATION GALLERY
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The extraordinary role the Oneida Indian Nation played in the Revolutionary War is featured in the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
During America’s war for independence, the Oneidas fought alongside the colonists in several key battles, including Oriskany, Saratoga, and Barren Hill, and endured vast hardships, including the loss of life. Visitors to the Museum of the American Revolution can take in the rich historical account of the Oneida Indian Nation becoming America’s First Ally.
The entire second-floor atrium at the Museum is named for the Oneida Indian Nation, and a prominent gallery, complete with recreated settings, pays homage to the rich historical account of the Oneida Indian Nation’s heritage. This will help preserve the Nation’s culture, share its historic bonds with the founding fathers, and ensure that generations to come can learn about the Nation’s important contributions to establishing the foundation of the United States.
The Oneida Indian Nation became a founding donor to the museum when it donated $10 million to support its construction. The support was designed to preserve the Oneida people’s history and culture, and make sure that the Oneida Indian Nation’s role in the revolution is preserved for posterity.
The Museum celebrated its grand opening on April 19, 2017. Opening ceremony speakers included President Joe Biden (then Vice President), journalist Cokie Roberts, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough, and Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, who is a founding board member of the Museum. Several dozen Oneida Indian Nation Members traveled to Philadelphia to commemorate the opening of the new museum and were among the first to explore the gallery dedicated to their ancestors.
