A. Wayne Earles
Where each Replica is displayed, there should be a tag, emblem, plaque, or something that indicates the Caddo who provided guidance for it's construction and whether they are an Artist, Historian or Cultural Expert. Or, if that is not possible or feasible, then there should be a plaque somewhere near indicating a listing of all Replicas with this info about each, in the Museum.
D
Danielle Macdonald
6 years ago
It is critical to include members of the Caddo Nation in planning and implementation of the Caddo Mounds State Historical Site exhibit. This exhibit represents their culture, community, and history, and thus they should be integral participants and decision makers in the process. As cultural heritage professionals and archaeologists, it is past time that we make positive changes in our practices and include communities as active participants in the interpretation of their history and heritage. -Dr. Danielle Macdonald, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Tulsa.
B
Brett Cruse
6 years ago
I am posting this response on behalf of Mark Wolfe, Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) would like to take this opportunity to address some of the concerns expressed by commenters and signers of this petition. First, the THC wants to reassure everyone that our goal is to have the best and most accurate exhibit in the new Caddo Mounds museum. We completely agree with Mr. Earles that, "The authentic and accurate history of the people who lived here and constructed this site should be everyone's primary goal for this new visitors center." The THC plans to do just that.
When the previous exhibit was being designed, the Caddo Nation was given the opportunity to review the exhibit design and content prior to its fabrication and installation in 2015. At that time, the tribal government did not express any concerns about the exhibit design or the information it contained. After the new exhibit opened, members of the Caddo Nation who attended the exhibit opening, and subsequent events, responded positively to the exhibit. We have not received any letters or complaints expressing concerns about the exhibit’s components.
All of the items that had been displayed inside of the vitrines in the now destroyed previous installation were replica items that had been created from artifacts excavated from the site. During the exhibit design process the Caddo Nation was approached by the THC with a request that we be allowed to make replicas of additional items from the George C. Davis collection held by the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory. The goal was to show more examples of site associated Caddo items. The Caddo Nation responded that while they were fine with us using the existing replicas, they did not wish additional items in the collection to be replicated.
A portion of the exhibit design was intended to be hands-on and interactive for the museum visitor. As such, some of the exhibit items had to be rep
G
Gordon Bennett
6 years ago
The Caddo Mounds should represent the Caddo Culture.
J
James A Rees
6 years ago
President of the Arkansas Archeological Society
T
Thompson Williams
6 years ago
Without the real thing people will get a false narrative of who the Caddo people are!
R
Rich Mahoney
6 years ago
Registered Professional Archaeologist
D
David Crain
6 years ago
There should be authentic historic and prehistoric Caddoan artifacts displayed and shared with the visitors.
R
Robin Matthews
6 years ago
Items made for the Caddo exhibits and structures must be authentic.
Robin Matthews Texas Archeological Society Education Committed Chairman
W
Wayne Clampitt
6 years ago
If the intent is to display cultural items of the Caddo, shouldn’t you have some contact with the Caddo?
Poor execution and just plain wrong.
M
Mark Walters
6 years ago
TASN
R
Robert Pickering
6 years ago
When representing a culture in a museum, is is critical to include representatives of those people n the planning & execution.
D
Diana Fields
6 years ago
Chief Program Officer
The Caddo tribe should be consulted in the creation of material culture and the interpretation of all objects, lifeways, and the historical narrative attributed to their community. Indigenous communities remain while walking in two worlds. We live in today while maintaining and reviving ancestral traditions. Fostering meaningful relationships with tribal communities will only strengthen exhibit interpretation and programming. Caddo representation in the exhibit process is essential to the exhibit's overall authenticity and success. Please include the associated community when curating cultural exhibitions.
G
Gwen Durrant
6 years ago
I am thankful that the site is being rebuilt, but the Caddo should absolutely be consulted and involved in this process!
E
Elizabeth Horton
6 years ago
In the aftermath of the loss of the Caddo Mounds SHS Museum, THC has a unique opportunity to build an engaging new museum in collaboration with the Caddo. That this hasn’t occurred is very disappointing - especially as it seems to be resulting in a inaccurate portrayal of the vibrant deep-time artistic and cultural traditions of a living community who have helped boost the site’s reputation and public profile by creating educational exhibits like the Caddo grass house (also destroyed in the tornado). THC please budget the time and financial resources to develop a strong and meaningful collaboration with the Caddo in the rebuilding of the Caddo Mounds SHS museum and its exhibits.
A. Wayne Earles Where each Replica is displayed, there should be a tag, emblem, plaque, or something that indicates the Caddo who provided guidance for it's construction and whether they are an Artist, Historian or Cultural Expert. Or, if that is not possible or feasible, then there should be a plaque somewhere near indicating a listing of all Replicas with this info about each, in the Museum.
It is critical to include members of the Caddo Nation in planning and implementation of the Caddo Mounds State Historical Site exhibit. This exhibit represents their culture, community, and history, and thus they should be integral participants and decision makers in the process. As cultural heritage professionals and archaeologists, it is past time that we make positive changes in our practices and include communities as active participants in the interpretation of their history and heritage. -Dr. Danielle Macdonald, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Tulsa.
I am posting this response on behalf of Mark Wolfe, Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission The Texas Historical Commission (THC) would like to take this opportunity to address some of the concerns expressed by commenters and signers of this petition. First, the THC wants to reassure everyone that our goal is to have the best and most accurate exhibit in the new Caddo Mounds museum. We completely agree with Mr. Earles that, "The authentic and accurate history of the people who lived here and constructed this site should be everyone's primary goal for this new visitors center." The THC plans to do just that. When the previous exhibit was being designed, the Caddo Nation was given the opportunity to review the exhibit design and content prior to its fabrication and installation in 2015. At that time, the tribal government did not express any concerns about the exhibit design or the information it contained. After the new exhibit opened, members of the Caddo Nation who attended the exhibit opening, and subsequent events, responded positively to the exhibit. We have not received any letters or complaints expressing concerns about the exhibit’s components. All of the items that had been displayed inside of the vitrines in the now destroyed previous installation were replica items that had been created from artifacts excavated from the site. During the exhibit design process the Caddo Nation was approached by the THC with a request that we be allowed to make replicas of additional items from the George C. Davis collection held by the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory. The goal was to show more examples of site associated Caddo items. The Caddo Nation responded that while they were fine with us using the existing replicas, they did not wish additional items in the collection to be replicated. A portion of the exhibit design was intended to be hands-on and interactive for the museum visitor. As such, some of the exhibit items had to be rep
The Caddo Mounds should represent the Caddo Culture.
President of the Arkansas Archeological Society
Without the real thing people will get a false narrative of who the Caddo people are!
Registered Professional Archaeologist
There should be authentic historic and prehistoric Caddoan artifacts displayed and shared with the visitors.
Items made for the Caddo exhibits and structures must be authentic. Robin Matthews Texas Archeological Society Education Committed Chairman
If the intent is to display cultural items of the Caddo, shouldn’t you have some contact with the Caddo? Poor execution and just plain wrong.
TASN
When representing a culture in a museum, is is critical to include representatives of those people n the planning & execution.
Chief Program Officer The Caddo tribe should be consulted in the creation of material culture and the interpretation of all objects, lifeways, and the historical narrative attributed to their community. Indigenous communities remain while walking in two worlds. We live in today while maintaining and reviving ancestral traditions. Fostering meaningful relationships with tribal communities will only strengthen exhibit interpretation and programming. Caddo representation in the exhibit process is essential to the exhibit's overall authenticity and success. Please include the associated community when curating cultural exhibitions.
I am thankful that the site is being rebuilt, but the Caddo should absolutely be consulted and involved in this process!
In the aftermath of the loss of the Caddo Mounds SHS Museum, THC has a unique opportunity to build an engaging new museum in collaboration with the Caddo. That this hasn’t occurred is very disappointing - especially as it seems to be resulting in a inaccurate portrayal of the vibrant deep-time artistic and cultural traditions of a living community who have helped boost the site’s reputation and public profile by creating educational exhibits like the Caddo grass house (also destroyed in the tornado). THC please budget the time and financial resources to develop a strong and meaningful collaboration with the Caddo in the rebuilding of the Caddo Mounds SHS museum and its exhibits.
enrolled tribal member
Caddo Nation Enrolled Member
Professor, UNCW
Archaeologist supporting Caddo consultation!
Mvto! We support this 100%!