OUR STORY, MEMORIALIZED
Beyond its own facilities and programs in Central New York that promote American Indian language and culture, the Oneida people have taken a leadership role in supporting the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of the American Revolution to memorialize its rich history as America’s First Allies for future generations.
Allies in War, Partners in Peace Exhibit
Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian
Standing nearly 20 feet high in the prestigious National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., the “Allies in War, Partners in Peace” statue commemorates the bond between two nations – the Oneida and the United States.
Full of Oneida allegory, the 2,200-pound bronze sculpture depicts Oneida Chief Shenendoah and Oneida woman Polly Cooper, along with Gen. George Washington. The statute symbolizes the friendship that was forged between the two nations during the Revolutionary War.
With the Oneida Indian Nation’s continued support, the National Museum of the American Indian recently installed a new, interpretive surround experience to the extraordinary bronze sculpture. The new surround experience enhances the storytelling of the historic alliance with light, sound and projected imagery in an imaginative display that will provide greater context for the two nations’ relationship for museum visitors. Watch the film by clicking the button below.
Visitors will learn the incredible story of Polly Cooper, who was one of a group of Oneida that walked hundreds of miles from their Central New York home to Valley Forge to bring vital supplies and life-saving white corn to the soldiers of Washington’s Continental Army. Cooper remained at Valley Forge to aid the troops and would not accept payment for her services. Chief Shenendoah, as the keeper of the wampum and inaugurator of government-to-government agreements, played a pivotal role in the decision to side with the colonists and is held in great esteem by the Nation to this day.
The statue can be found on the fourth floor of the Smithsonian Institution’s museum, the first in the country dedicated exclusively to American Indians.
In 2002, the Oneida Indian Nation pledged $10 million over a multi-year time frame to the Museum. This investment is in keeping with Oneida traditions of working to preserve and honor their heritage as America’s First Allies. The Nation originally donated the statue to commemorate the opening of the museum in 2004.
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, PA.
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.
Oneida Carrying Place Sculpture
In May of 2021, the Oneida Indian Nation, together with officials from Oneida County and the City of Rome, unveiled a new bronze sculpture and public artwork that commemorates the historic Oneida Carrying Place, a vital mode of transportation, trade and commerce before and during the Revolutionary War.
Measuring an impressive 7 feet by 27 feet, the display features three bronze panels behind a life-size bronze sculpture of an Oneida Warrior.
“Recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of our ancestors is among the most important priorities for the Oneida Indian Nation,” said Nation Representative Ray Halbritter during remarks given during the dedication. “As we continue to make strides in creating a truly inclusive community, this beautiful tribute will remind us to never forget our collective past and help visitors learn about the role this region played in the founding of the country.”
The Oneida Carrying Place played an integral role in the success of the Americans in the Revolutionary War. While it was used by the Haudenosaunee well before European settlers arrived, the path became a critical strategic area during the American Revolution when the Oneidas helped the American colonists defend nearby Fort Stanwix from a British siege. The attempted siege failed and the Americans, with their Oneida allies, helped change the momentum of the war.
The monument panels are made of copper, this was done specifically to pay tribute to Rome’s distinction as the “Copper City.”
One panel represents the Clans of the Oneida People – Turtle, Wolf and Bear. Another depicts Oneida men physically carrying a boat to shore. The Oneida Carrying Place served as a land bridge between the Mohawk River to the east, and Wood Creek to the west.
The center panel includes depictions of Oneida warriors and of an Oneida leader. The Oneida leader standing in front of the panel, on the stone, is holding a two-row wampum. This belt symbolizes the agreement and conditions under which the Haudenosaunee welcomed the newcomers to this land.
The sculpture is located at 301 W. Dominick Street in the City of Rome, on a section of the Oneida Carrying Place which leads to Fort Stanwix. This location is to honor the Oneida people for their sacrifices that helped define the history of the United States.
