Meskwaki Tribal Museum

03/25/2026

We are also pleased to share that an important historical figure from the Meskwaki Nation has been selected to be featured in the Revolutionary Iowans display.

This pop-up exhibit, created in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, highlights individuals whose stories have shaped Iowa's history. You can learn more about Ma ta we qua and other Revolutionary Iowans by exploring the link below and locating a display near you.

Join PBS in commemorating the country’s 250th Anniversary with content exploring how the United States came together, showcasing its rich history, treasured artifacts, and performances and art that define America.

03/24/2026

We are excited and honored to share "The Meskwaki Nation's Story of Survival, Land and Sovereignty in Iowa."

Grounded in the voices and perspectives of the Meskwaki Nation, this project highlights an enduring legacy of resilience, self-determination, and cultural preservation. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to share our history, and appreciate Iowa PBS for helping make that possible!

Please click the link below to view the story!

After generations of conflict, expansion and forced removal, the Meskwaki Nation used their own funds to purchase land along the Iowa River in 1857, preserving their identity and presence in Iowa.

02/24/2026

We've received a request from the Johnson/Ekström family regarding this collection of photographs taken by Charlie Ekström, an avid amateur photographer. According to originals labels, these images were captured during Labor Day powwow celebrations in the early 1900s and hold deep meaning for the family.

After reviewing all available information, the museum has shared everything we currently know. The family is now reaching out to the community for help in identifying the individuals pictured.

If you recognize anyone in these photographs or can share stories connected to them, the family would be deeply grateful for your help.

The collection is currently held at the Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL.

02/17/2026

Save the date for the Meskwaki Annual Powwow! August 6 - 9, 2026! We hope to see you all there!

Save the Date!

The Meskwaki Annual Powwow will be held August 6-9, 2026, at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds in Tama, Iowa. Join us for a weekend celebrating culture, tradition, dance, song, and community on the Meskwaki Settlement.

Visit www.meskwakipowwow.com for updates.

**More information will be posted at a later date.

02/12/2026

Please consider filling out this questionnaire. Your responses will help us understand what the community would like to learn more about from the Meskwaki Historic Preservation Department.

Please click the link to complete this form.

02/05/2026

Please consider filling out this questionnaire regarding our upcoming Meskwaki History Project. It will help us determine what you (the community) want to hear from the Meskwaki Historic Preservation Department.

Please click the link to complete this form.

01/30/2026

We recently received a simple but thoughtful gesture: this 1903 photograph was digitally restored to remove the wear and tear of time. Thank you friend!

01/19/2026

Martin Luther King Jr. Day invites reflection not only on Dr. King's words, but on the places and communities he engaged with. This plaque commemorates his 1959 visit to the Meskwaki Settlement, an important moment in Meskwaki history. His presence here serves as a reminder that his work for justice extended beyond Black-white relations and spoke to the dignity and rights of all marginalized communities. This visit connects the civil rights movement to Indigenous struggles for sovereignty, respect, and equality. The Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum is proud to preserve and share this history with our community.

We invite you to visit and reflect on this legacy with us.

11/26/2025

The Meskwaki Museum will be open on Saturday, December 6th, to join with other Tribal Museums across the country in celebrating our cultures and telling our tribal stories in our own voices.