The Red Men Museum and Library is an American history museum in Waco, Texas. It also houses the archives and presents the official history of the Improved Order of Red Men, a patriotic fraternal organization with traditions attributed to Native Americans.[2]
Organization
Robert E. Davis, the former national secretary for the Red Men, was an avid collector of both Red Men memorabilia as well as an eclectic collection of artifacts he had purchased at auction. He willed his collection to the organization which founded the museum in 1991.[3]
The organization is incorporated as the Texas Red Men Foundation. The complex is home to both the headquarters of the national Red Men fraternal organization and the Great Council of Texas office.[4] The Red Men Museum takes part in Texas Brazos Trail, a historical tourism effort by the State of Texas and is also a member of the Museum Association of Waco[5]
Collection
The collection consists of a very eclectic group of artifacts, mostly pertaining to American history. Included within the collection is a peace blanket from the Apache leader Geronimo, a bugle from the Gettysburg Battlefield, a writing desk belonging to Aaron Burr and moccasins from Chiricahua leader Cochise.[6][7]
Library
The museum houses a non-circulating archive of works available to the general public for study.[8] In addition to Red Men organization documents, the collection contains historical documents relating to World War II, including the Nuremberg War Criminal Trial reports, and the complete Warren Commission report.[9]
Building
The museum is located near the Waco Independent School District football stadium and sports complex. The brick building is designed to look reminiscent of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and also includes a hall and commercial kitchen for events.[10]
See also
References
- ^ "Red Men Museum and Library". Texas Historic Sites Atlas. Texas Historical Commission. 2006-02-21. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ Deloria, Philip J. (1998). Playing Indian. Yale University Press. pp. 59–65.
- ^ Rebecca, Fiedler (2012-02-27). "Red Men Museum and Library offers glimpse into fraternity culture". Baylor Lariat. Baylor University. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ Crockett, Jane. "Improved Order of Red Men & Degree of Pocahontas". Oakley Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ "Member Museums". Museum Association of Waco. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ "Red Men Museum". Waco & The Heart of Texas. Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ "Red Men Museum and Library". Texas Brazos Trail. Texas Heritage Trails Program. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ Masters, Claire (April 2014). "Portals to the past: Red Men plate exhibit at Waco library". Waco Today Magazine. Waco Tribune-Herald. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ "Red Men Museum and Library". Texas Brazos Trail. Texas Heritage Trails Program. Retrieved 2014-11-01.
- ^ Coppedge, Clay (2002-09-09). "Little-known 'Red Men' museum mystery to many". Temple Daily Telegram. Retrieved 2014-11-01.