Facilities

Our Facilities

The Schingoethe Center's main gallery of over 1,500 square feet and a smaller attached gallery for temporary exhibits explore both historical and contemporary Native American materials from North America. The time line of Native American life in the North American continent stretches deep into prehistory. Our exhibits, however, reflect not only the past, but the present. Both early history and contemporary artistry are presented with artifacts from the major cultural regions of Native Americans in North America. The exhibitions present a harmony in living and artistic expression.

Click here to take a virtual tour through our galleries!

Hands-On Activities

Included in the cost of admission, museum visitors can participate in several Hands-On activities for experiential learning. These activities are great for adults and kids to do together:

• Floor Puzzle - Put together our large ( 6' x 6' ) floor puzzle of the culture areas of North America. When you have finished the puzzle add pictures of the dwellings in the proper culture area.
• Weaving - Our weaving tables are ready. Three looms are available. Try your hand at weaving.
• Mano & Metate - What would it be like to spend hours a day grinding corn for lunch and dinner? Try your hand at grinding corn the way Native American women did for centuries.
• Arts & Crafts - Selected arts and crafts activities pertaining to the exhibits are available in our library.
• Construct a Wigwam and then get in!
• Puzzle Magnets
• Stories and Puppets - Choose between a variety of Native American children's stories and legends to read.  Use one of the puppets to bring the story to life.

Reference Library

The Schingoethe Center has a growing research library which currently contains over 2,000 volumes, audio/visual materials, rare books, and periodicals related to Native American cultures.  The library materials are catalogued and this information is also listed in Aurora University's library card catalog and thereby through Illinet-Online.  The research library is open to the public during regular museum hours.  All materials in the library are non-circulating; however, a photocopier is available.

Digitized books from the Schingoethe Center Rare Book Collection

This project draws upon original historical materials held in the collections of Aurora University's Schingoethe Center for the Study of Native American Cultures and Aurora University's Library.  Written by white explorers, military personnel, and settlers, these materials describe their impressions of, and encounters with, Native Americans in the nineteenth century.  As the vast majority of American Indians left behind no materials written in the English language, white writers' reports and publications, however expurgated and influenced by prevailing notions of race and culture, form a large part of the available primary source materials pertaining to this subject and period.

Museum Shop

The Museum Shop is located in the Entrance Gallery of the Center, on the lower level of Dunham Hall.

The Museum Shop is filled with a variety of objects made by Native Americans from all over the country.  It is a favorite shopping destination for those looking for a unique gift.  Whether you desire pottery, jewelry, dolls, or drums, the Schingoethe Museum Shop has quality hand-made items.  You will find a wonderful selection of books for children and adults as well.

Come and see our special collection of things Native American!  Choose the perfect gift from our wonderful selection including:

• Dream catchers
• Baskets
• Pottery
• Textiles
• Cookbooks
• Books for children and adults
• Native-made jewelry
• Gifts for men
• Stuffed animals
• Educational materials including puzzles, maps and make your own kits -- popular with both teachers and parents