The Institute of Texan Cultures presents the history and diverse cultures of Texas through art, artifacts and educational programs. The displays begin with some ancient geological information and then move forward in time.
There are displays of the different Indian Tribes that inhabited the area
with excellent descriptors along side, followed by very
detailed histories of the ethnic groups that moved into
the area in the early 1800's...
This was an interesting archeological exhibit.
This is an original Studebaker "Chuckwagon" that was used in the late 1800's when Texas ranchers were driving the cattle along the Chisolm Trail from San Antonio to the rail head of the Kansas Pacific Railway in Abilene, Kansas where the cattle would be sold and shipped east. There was a docent here who was terrific...had great stories to tell about the cowboys.
This Texas Longhorn was a donation from John Wayne from
one of his last herds sold off before he died.
A replica of a Sharecropper's Cabin.
There were many more displays but we were running short of time. We headed downstairs to catch the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit on the American Indian Code Talkers, "Native Words, Native Warriors." There were large banners with oral histories of veterans of WWII and stories of veterans from WWI. Below is the description from the Institute website, Texancultures.com
When the United States issued the call to arms in World Wars I and II, American Indians answered as warriors. Some men discovered that words—in their Native languages—would be their most valued weapons. These unsung American heroes share their stories of strength and courage in a Smithsonian traveling exhibition, opening at the Institute of Texan Cultures on Oct. 19.
"Native Words, Native Warriors," developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), tells the remarkable story of soldiers from more than a dozen tribes who used their Native languages in the service of the U.S. military.
Through oral histories taken from the veterans themselves, "Native Words" celebrates and honors this important but little-reported aspect of American history. In addition to 15 large-scale banners, the exhibition includes videos examining the development of the code, battlefield experiences and the sharp turnaround many of them experienced as they transitioned from Indian boarding schools where they were punished for speaking their Native language to using it as their call to duty for their country.
It was an excellent display. Unfortunately, we didn't really have time to really do it justice and we missed all of the outside buildings....certainly worth another visit. We headed to Alamo Heights and lunch at Judy and John's favorite restaurant...delicious Mexican food!! Then home to get ready for the
Ninja and Percy Jackson...
and Ernies Brother's daughter and
her twin brother with Grand Mummy Gloria.
They came for trick or treating with their Mom and Dad...it was quite a festive and fun evening. Everybody headed home and the porch light went out around 8:30. Another fun day with extended family!!
