You are invited to their community to learn about the Oneida \”People of the Standing Stone.\” Discover their past, present and envision their future as you take a guided tour of the Oneida Museum, Tsyunhehkwa Natural Retail Center and Organic farm. They have several attractions that will interest you. Visit the Veterans Memorial, Buffalo Farm, Apple Orchard, Tribal \”Turtle\” School and historic Salt Pork Avenue. Don\’t forget to check out the Oneida Nation Gate at Lambeau Field and the Oneida Nation Walk Of Legends.
Telling the history of the Oneida people begins during the “Time of Great Abundance” in 1633. At that time there was nothing to worry about, there was plenty of food and water. The people lived together in a perfect society without out-side diseases or viruses. It was a time of peace for the people.
From 1634 – 1783 the people saw many different rulers of the nation with the inflow of the white man to the area. One of the things that invaded the people was the onset of Small pox. This communicable disease was brought by both the European and Africans when the slaves came to South Carolina in 1783. The small pox disease wiped out 50% of the Cherokee Nation. It moved from the East coast to the land of the Oneidas, the Mohawks, the Cayuga, the Onondagas and Seneca. This dreadful disease reeked havoc among the people leaving many dead. It is rumored, and many believe it is true, that the US Army provided Native people with blankets that may have been deliberately infected with small pox to help to wipe out the “Indian Problem.”
During the time of the Revolutionary War the Oneidas and Tuscarora sided with the Colonists. Following the War the tribal Oneida belt with the 6 diamonds was created to signify the coming together of the 6 Iroquois Nations which had split up during the war.
The time of the Assimilation on Two Fronts fran from 1881 – 1917. During this time there was established the Oneida Band. This band offered a way for Oneida to earn an income.
In 1887 the Dawes Allotment Act was passed by the US Government. The purpose of this bill was to assimilate the Indians into American culture, stripping them of their tribal identity and turning communal lands into individual homesteads. As a result of the allotment, the Oneida Nation lost control of all but a few hundred acres of the reservation. Much of the land that belonged to the Oneida people was taken over by non-Indians.
The story of the Oneida can be learned at the Oneida Museum. Spend some time and get to know the history and the story of these people.
Winter Hours (September – May)
Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Summer Hours (June – August)
Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Admission
Children under 18 $1.00
Elders (55+) $1.00
Adults $2.00
Tours: Please call 920-869-6534 for availability and pricing
Guided Tours at the Oneida Nation Museum
General Information:
Our guided tours include an oral presentation of all exhibits and displays by cultural education staff and generally last 45 – 60 minutes. Tours can be altered to accommodate audience special needs or age groups upon request. Please discuss such requests with the cultural education staff when scheduling your visit. To facilitate questions and to ensure your comfort and enjoyment it is our policy to divide groups of 30 or more. For groups not immediately touring the museum, we offer a selection of interactive activities. These vary seasonally and with the availability of materials. Our current options will be discussed with you prior to your visit.
Cost:
Group tour cost per person: $3.00
Group tour cost with additional crafts: $5.00
Location
Address:W892 County EE
DePere, WI 54115
Phone: (920)869-2768