TOMAQUAG MUSEUM

Rhode Island's only museum operated by and for Indigenous people, Tomaquag Museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and arts of Southern New England's First Peoples, particularly the Narragansett and neighboring tribal nations. Established in 1958 by anthropologist Eva Butler and Narragansett leader Princess Red Wing, the museum has been located in historic Arcadia Village in Exeter since the early 1970s. The museum maintains a collection of Native American artifacts from across the continent, with a focus on the Indigenous peoples of southern New England, highlighting the federally recognized Narragansett Tribe.

Families visiting Tomaquag Museum can explore a variety of exhibits that include traditional crafts like ash splint baskets and locally made dolls. The museum features a Three Sisters Garden, showcasing traditional agricultural practices, and hosts educational programs such as beadwork, pottery, and weaving classes. Visitors can also engage with Native perspectives through specialized tours and cultural presentations, making it an enriching experience for all ages.

Tomaquag Museum was founded to educate the public about Indigenous cultures of the Dawnland, emphasizing reconciliation and equity. It received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2016, recognizing its significant impact on community engagement.