Brown Bag: Imprisoned but Empowered

Take a break from your day and enjoy a series of presentations over the lunch hour, Wednesday, September 11 and September 18. Hear curators discuss topics related to the National Cowboy Museum exhibitions Cheyenne Ledger Art from Fort Marion and The Western Trail: The Greatest Cattle Trail of Them All at 150.

Join Eric Singleton, Curator of Native American Art & Ethnology, as he discusses Cheyenne Ledger Artists of Fort Marion. Following the Red River War in 1874, the United States government ordered the arrest of 72 Cheyenne, Kiowa, Comanche, Caddo and Arapaho warriors. Of these, 15 were Cheyenne. Taken from their families, these warriors were loaded onto trains and sent to Fort Marion, Florida, their home for the next three years. Their forced assimilation included their hair being cut and their personal clothing replaced with military uniforms. For nearly 100 years, this narrative was retold by historians and government agents. This exhibit shares the Cheyenne perspective — a story highlighting the journey east, as well as the life they left behind. A story told in art.

This exhibition was co-curated with Director of Language and Culture Programs at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Gordon Yellowman.

Bring your lunch or purchase one at The Museum Grill. Reservations are not required. Free admission to the Brown Bag presentation and The Museum Grill.

This program is funded in part by Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily represent those of OH or NEH.