The Smithsonian is a beneficiary of diplomatic gifts from foreign governments and the range and significance of the many gifts is explained by Anthropologist Deborah Hull-Walski.

Diplomatic Gifts

James Mooney

19th century anthropologist James Mooney conducted outstanding research, especially among the Kiowa and Cherokee Indians with whom he lived, relates anthropologist JoAllyn Archambault.

James Mooney (1861-1921)

Edward Nelson

Edward Nelson’s 1877-1881 Western Alaska Expedition was the beginning of the Smithsonian’s close collaboration with Arctic peoples to this day, as told by Curator William Fitzhugh.

Edward Nelson’s Alaska Expedition

The U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-1842) collected many one-of-a-kind cultural objects, as told by Curator Adrienne Kaeppler.

The Wilkes Expedition

Uncover the mysteries of the moundbuilders as Curator Bruce Smith describes Smithsonian research conducted in the 1880s that answered the question of who built the ancient earthen mounds in eastern North America.

The Moundbuilders of North America

Frank Cushing

Frank Cushing lived with the Zuni Indians of New Mexico, immersing himself in their culture, and significantly contributed to our knowledge of Zuni material culture, as explained by Curator Gwyneira Isaac.

Frank Cushing (1857-1900)

19th Century Anthropology Collections

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