Event—Exhibition

Celebrating 50 Years of Newberry Research Centers

This exhibition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Smith Center for the History of Cartography and the McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies.

The front and back of a Wampum belt in purple and white beads

Wampum Friendship Belt (facsimile). Purple and white beads (perhaps), cut-up electrical wire, and leather. ca. 1973-80. Gift from Chief Thomas to the D'Arcy McNickle Center. Call number: Ayer oversize E98.C8 W46 1973

This exhibition commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Newberry’s first two research centers: the Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography and the D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies.

For half a century these centers, based on particular strengths in the Newberry’s collection, have shaped scholarship in their fields through fellowships, publications, and convenings. They also have provided opportunities for the Newberry to engage the public through exhibitions, programs, and collaboration with many partners, including tribal communities.

Visitors to this exhibition viewed items from the Newberry's collection that reflect the extensive range of activities and research pursuits of the Smith and McNickle Centers.

D'Arcy McNickle, founder of the Newberry's center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies, ca. 1970.

Three people build a tipi as part of a blessing ceremony for the Center for the History of the American Indian (now the D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies). April 10, 1973.

Portrait of Hermon Dunlap Smith, taken by photographer Helen Balfour Morrison, ca. 1940s.

World map by the Veronese engraver Giovanni Paolo Cimerlini. 1566.