Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum

Our Mission

The Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum was opened in 2010 in part of the Iowa Great Places designation received by Tama County. Our mission is to give visitors a glimpse into our Tribe’s rich, cultural legacy. Through the museum, we seek to share traditions, promote equality, and encourage cultural awareness. We are extremely proud of our heritage and invite you to visit us.

About Our Museum

Our museum displays many artifacts that have been passed down, as well as other reacquired and repatriated items that have come home over the years. Our displays include arrowheads, bowls, spoons, other pottery, arrowheads, tools, clothing, jewelry, photographs, and other objects.

Visitors are educated and receive insight in the tradition and culture of the Meskwaki (sometimes spelled Mesquakie). By sharing our culture, we hope others walk away with open minds and open hearts and are able to respect and learn from different cultures such as ours.

Brightly Colored Woven Scarf with Chevron Pattern

Man giving a presentation on women's roles in Meskwaki governance

Man giving a presentation on writing the Meskwaki Constitution

Handcarved Wooden Bowl & Spoon with Patterned Handle

Handdrawn Portrait of a man in a headdress with battle and hunting scenes

Intricately Beaded White Belt on Display

Intricately Beaded Portrait of a man in a headdress and sunglasses

Beaded Canoe Ornament That Reads Sac & Fox Indians

Close up of a beaded headdress with bear claws

Upcoming Workshops & Special Speakers

Our museum and cultural center holds free educational programs, workshops, tours, and presentations throughout the year. Through these events, we seek to provide Tribal members, their descendants, and the community with learning opportunities that protect, honor, and preserve the Meskwaki culture, traditions, and history.

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Read About the Meskwaki Nation History

View the Meskwaki History Page

Visit the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Meskwaki History Page

Cultural Center & Museum Staff

Members of the Historic Preservation Department run the museum and the curation of artifacts. You can find more information about the staff on the Historic Preservation page.

Visit the Historic Preservation Page