Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Museum and Archives Preservation Assessment and Disaster-Related Activities

FAIN: PG-280961-21

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska (Niobrara, NE 68760-0288)
Nicholas Mauro (Project Director: January 2021 to January 2022)
Richard Wright (Project Director: January 2022 to present)

A general preservation assessment and the purchase of preservation supplies for an archival and museum collection documenting the history of the Ponca Tribe, which is located in present-day northeastern Nebraska. Highlights of the archival collection include hundreds of original allotment records dating from 1891, survey plat maps for local townships, Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Census records from 1890 to 1940, photographs, and a handwritten ledger kept by trading post owner George Washington Howe. The museum collection contains 84 pieces including sculptures, crafts, and garments such as regalia, headdresses, moccasins, jewelry, and two headdresses from the 1850s, one of which was worn by Chief Standing Bear. These collections contribute to preserving tribal history and heritage through scholarly publications, statewide curriculum development, exhibitions, language revitalization, and community awareness programs.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska seeks funding to engage a conservator to conduct a general preservation assessment and to help draft a long-range plan for the care and sustainability of the Tribe's museum and archives.