Crazy Horse Memorial to participate in Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
5th annual Museum Day to be held Sept. 26
On Saturday, September 26, 2009 the Indian Museum of North America located at Crazy Horse Memorial will participate in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine.
Museum Day is a day when museums and cultural institutions nationwide open their doors free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors. A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge, Smithsonian’s Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, DC-based properties.
“Crazy Horse Memorial is honored to be part of Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day 2009,” said Anne Ziolkowski-Christensen, Director of Museums for the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. “Our museum has an ever growing collection of Native American artifacts, and being part of the 2009 Museum Day helps increase awareness about the cultural and educational aspects of Crazy Horse Memorial” stated Ziolkowski-Christensen.
The Indian Museum of North America is home to an extraordinary collection of art and artifacts reflecting the diverse histories and cultures of the American Indian people. Almost all of the items have been donated by generous individuals, including many Native Americans. The museum, designed to complement the story being told in stone on the mountain, speaks eloquently to present and future generations about American Indian life.
Originally designed and built by Korczak Ziolkowski and his family, they were involved in all aspects of the museum construction to hold the cost to a minimum. It was constructed from ponderosa pine which was harvested and milled at Crazy Horse. The museum was dedicated on May 30, 1973. It has expanded over the years and now houses three wings.
Last year, upwards of 200,000 people attended Museum Day. All 50 states plus Puerto Rico were represented by 900 participating museums, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums.
Attendees must present Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Admission Card for free admission to participating institutions. The admission card is downloadable at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Each card provides museum access for two people. Only one admission card is permitted per household. Listings and links to participating museums can also be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.
Crazy Horse Memorial is a nonprofit educational and cultural project honoring all American Indians and is located on Highway 16/385 between Hill City and Custer. For more information on the Memorial, please call 605.673.4681.