L: Mr. Philippe Franquelin, Hunter Old Elk (Plains Indian Museum), Lilly Haugen, Alison Swank, Kazmir Laroche, Aspen Woods, Hanna Dudek, Mrs. Connie Medicine Bull
Students, elders, and instructors of St. Labre Indian Schools traveled to the Plains Indian Museum from Ashland, Montana, in October of 2024. Students Hanna Dudek, Lilly Haugen (Cheyenne), Kazmir Laroche (Cheyenne), Alison Swank (Cheyenne), and Aspen Woods (Cheyenne) took part in an intensive two-day class focusing on museum studies, collections, and cultural research.
Through lessons, tours, and activities with Center staff, they met with representatives from the curatorial departments, collections management, exhibitions production, registration, and conservation. Using information learned in class and through vault visits, the students selected and researched the objects for their case, mounting them on exhibition materials, and writing all the labels. The program between St. Labre and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West has spanned almost two decades, with former students now professional artists, tribal historic preservation officers, and museum curators. The student’s case will be on display at the entrance of the Plains Indian Museum until spring 2025.
“In my two days at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, I got to learn and experience museum ethics firsthand. I learned how to handle material culture objects and to set up a display firsthand—also what it takes to run a museum through the presentation, ” Museums 101.”
My favorite part was exploring the vaults. Being with the Plains Indian collection was terrific. I really connected with my ancestors at that specific time. Not too many people get to do that. Thank you to our tribal elders that were with us, for the guidance and prayers. I was very happy with the overall experience, it was amazing! I hope to go back to the Center very soon.” – Aspen Woods, sophomore
“I really enjoyed my time at the Buffalo Center of the West. It was amazing to get to work in the Plains Indians vaults and to be able to see magnificent pieces of material culture—and even to be able to carefully handle objects. Learning about my ancestors was for me the best thing about the trip.
The staff were amazing, very professional, and led us to different activities. Most people do not have the opportunity to work with the Plains Indian Museum the way we did— to work in the vaults, handle objects, and to set up a display. I am very grateful I was part of this wonderful experience. I hope to come back again.” – Lilly Haugen, freshman
Parfleche Case, Lakota, Northern Plains, ca. 1900 NA.106.10
I feel fortunate I was part of this trip, and to have the chance to experience quality learning. I really enjoyed my time at the Buffalo Center of the West. Handling objects was a must for me. Most people wouldn’t have the chance to go to the Plains Indian vaults, so I am glad for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I also really appreciated how nice and professional the staff was. I thought the togetherness of the different museums was unique, five museums to explore and learn from. I loved it ! … And then the ultimate; setting up our own exhibit!! I would like to say thank you to everyone who worked with us, who helped us connect with our ancestors. I will definitely go back again with my family sometimes.” Alison Swank, freshman
Headpiece, Salish, Plateau, 1920 NA.203.77
“This was an amazing trip! I learned so much and really enjoyed it. It was so nice to see and experience the different steps that go into creating a museum display. It gave me greater appreciation of museums. Seeing and handling objects in the vaults was very exciting, because it was unique.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is such an amazing place, each museum has its own character and is fun to explore. In our own free time, we got to explore all five museum galleries. I was stunned by all the collections on display. The staff that worked with us were very nice and taught us so much. This trip gave me a sneak to work in a museum, and I can’t wait to do an Internship there in College.” – Hanna Dudek, Freshman
Belt Pouch, Salish, Plateau, ca. 1915, NA.203.812
“I enjoyed my time at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. I liked the Plains Indian Museum the most. I was amazed how the vaults were organized, and what a chance to be able to experience it, handle objects and set up our own display. Seeing all the beaded magnificent objects, including purses, moccasins, pillows, and cradleboards was great. All the staff were very nice and very professional and shared so much with us. I definitely would like to go back again to the Buffalo Center of the West.” – Kazmir Laroche, freshman
Headpiece, Southern Plains, mid-20th century, NA.205.86
A special thanks to the following staff for participating: Graham Pooley of Exhibitions Production, Corey Anco and Amy Phillips of Draper Natural History Museum; Michela Morrissey of Registrar; Beverly Perkins of Conservation; Dr. Ashlea Espinel of the Whitney Western Art Museum, and finally Brandon Lewis and Sally Disque of Live Raptor Program and our Avian Ambassadors.
