The White River Museum Old West Heritage Culture Center in Meeker will host the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, “Americans,” May 16-July 6.  

The exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street and the National Museum of the American Indian explores how deeply American Indians are intertwined with the history, popular culture and identity of the United States. 

Rio Blanco County Historical Society-White River Museum and the surrounding community have been chosen by History Colorado to host “Americans” as part of the Museum on Main Street program — a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at the The Old West Heritage Culture Center, 517 Park Avenue in Meeker.

Representatives from History Colorado and the Ute Indian Tribe will be present for the opening reception, providing an opportunity for dialogue about the perspectives that shape the history of the region and the broader American story.

Group visits can be scheduled throughout May and June. The museum will help coordinate times for guided viewing and discussion for visiting organizations.

“We are proud of and grateful for the chance to share this remarkable and eye-opening exhibition with museum visitors in rural communities across our state over the next few months,” says Philip Gover III, senior director of Tribal and Indigenous engagement at History Colorado. “These critical Indigenous and tribal stories are interwoven in the fabric of our country. It is vital for all of us, regardless of our background, to hear them and understand why they are important.”

Support for “Americans” is provided by the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th. Signature support for Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. and other local sponsors.

The White River Museum is located in two of the first buildings in the valley. The White River Museum collects, preserves, interprets and shares the community-based social history of the Meeker area and the White River Valley.

The White River Museum is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. For more information, visit MeekerColorado.com/museum.htm.