New Exhibition: “Revolution to Reclamation, Freedom through Indigenous Sovereignty”
Tomaquag Museum's new exhibit, "Revolution to Reclamation, Freedom through Indigenous Sovereignty" opens on April 22nd to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States. While the American Revolution serves as a historical focal point, the exhibit moves beyond commemoration to connect the past with the present through an exploration of land, freedom, responsibility, and enduring Indigenous presence.
At its core, the exhibit invites visitors to consider a central question: What does freedom mean-and who was it meant for? By centering Indigenous voices and perspectives, Revolution to Reclamation presents a broader, more nuanced understanding of American history. The exhibit begins by orienting visitors to the southern Dawnland—the homelands of Northeast coastal Indigenous communities—where land is understood through relationships and stewardship. Through Indigenous perspectives and colonial documents, the exhibit reveals fundamentally different worldviews of land, ownership, and responsibility between the Indigenous peoples who have lived here for thousands of years and the European settlers.
This exhibition represents the first complete transformation of the museum's gallery space since 1996. Executive Director Lorén Spears encourages past visitors to return, noting that many will scarcely recognize the reimagined space. Designers at SmokeSygnals have reshaped the gallery through innovative exhibit fabrication and immersive design. At its center is a striking art installation of life-sized figures set against a watercolor forest, creating a visual anchor while emphasizing the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and the land. As Spears explains, "We are the land, the land is us. What we do to the land, we do to ourselves. This is ancient wisdom passed down through our ancestors".
The exhibit also highlights the long-standing contributions of Indigenous people to the formation of the United States. During the American Revolution, Indigenous men served in numerous capacities, including in Rhode Island's 1st Battalion alongside Black and White soldiers and Native Americans continue today to serve in the U.S. military at higher per capita rates than any other ethnic group. The exhibit's central message is continuity: Indigenous peoples are still here. “We have vibrant communities shaping the present and future of our tribal nations as well as this country,” adds Spears.
Visitors will leave Revolution to Reclamation with more than knowledge. This exhibit invites reflection, responsibility, and action—encouraging each visitor to reconsider their relationship to the land and the shared history that continues to shape our communities today. The new exhibition is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays and by appointment, and visitors are encouraged to attend in the coming months to explore this interconnected history.
