Americans

Americans is a traveling exhibition adapted from the thought-provoking Smithsonian exhibition from the National Museum of the American Indian. Coming to Arizona in 2027!

Designed for small-town museums, libraries, cultural organizations, and more, Americans surrounds visitors with images and objects from popular culture and invites us to explore our nation’s complicated history. Arizona towns will develop complementary exhibits, public programs, and educational resources that tell their local stories and invite visitors to reflect on their memories and perceptions of American Indians.

Questions? Contact Chris Elliott, our Programs Coordinator, at celliott@azhumanities.org or (602) 257-0335, extension 5.

NOTE: We will be hosting two application information webinars, 5/20/2026, 3 PM - 4 PM & 6/3/2026, 10 AM - 11 AM.

Click here to register for May.
Click here to register for June. 

Application Guidelines

How does Native history and culture touch your community? 

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes. Tribal lands comprise a quarter of the
state. Native people, history, and culture have defined Arizona and continue to shape
local communities. How do we begin these conversations around Arizona and Native
history? Help us explore the stories of Native Americans of Arizona and how they
contribute to the cultural heritage of our state!

Arizona Humanities (AH) is accepting applications from Arizona communities to host an
exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution. The traveling exhibition will visit six (6)
communities in Arizona beginning August 2027. AH covers all expenses, including
shipping, publicity, travel to two (2) host workshops, and provides each site with $2,500
for public programming. 

Important Dates

Applications Open: May 1, 2026
Deadline to Apply: June 15, 2026
Notification Date: Late Summer 2026
Exhibition Tour: August 21, 2027, to June 4, 2028

Tour Schedule

Applicants will be required to select the top three dates that work best for them to host according to the schedule below: 

About Americans

Americans is a traveling exhibition brought to Arizona in partnership with AH and the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Museum on Main Street program. Museum on Main Street is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the state humanities councils across the country. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

#NDNsEverywhere
Learn More About Americans

Americans is a traveling exhibition brought to Arizona in partnership with Arizona Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution as part of the Museum on Main Street program. Museum on Main Street is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the state humanities councils across the country. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

Explore Our Programs