Introducing
The Tomaquag Museum & Research Center
A Rhode Island Indigenous Cultural and Educational Destination
Architectural rendering of the main entrance to the new Tomaquag Museum & Research Center.
Why a new museum now?
So everyone can learn about local Indigenous culture.
Our collections, cultural belongings, and archives will find a safe, new home here for future generations to experience.
About Tomaquag Museum
Social Justice
Protecting & Respecting the Environment
Community Benefit & Quality of Life
Education & Truth Telling
The Tomaquag Museum has exceeded expectations in the eyes of experts for a very long time.
In 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama presented the Tomaquag Museum with a National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
The National Medal is the highest award U.S. museums and libraries can receive. Tomaquag is the only museum in Rhode Island so far to earn it.
Great expectations
This was always our guarantee:
a visit to Tomaquag would change your mind and heart.
Why Tomaquag Museum is different...
Since its founding in 1958, the Tomaquag Museum has been Indigenous-led. That fact alone makes it special.
Our educators interpret the museum’s many cultural belongings from their perspectives. They also share their personal stories of growing up Indigenous in today’s America.
The Tomaquag experience is authentic ... and unforgettable. First-time visitors enter with their preconceptions and cultural stereotypes ... and leave profoundly moved, their attitudes forever changed.