Crazy Horse Museum to participate in Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day

Tribal flags on display at the Indian Museum of North America.  Entire flag collection is on display throughout the Crazy Horse complex.

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL —On Saturday, September 27, 2008 the Indian Museum of North America located at Crazy Horse Memorial will participate in the fourth 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.

“We are honored to be part of Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day 2008,” stated Anne Ziolkowski-Christensen, Director of Museums for the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. “We are very proud of our museum and its ever growing collection of Native American artifacts, and being part of the 2008 Museum Day helps increase awareness about the cultural and educational aspects of this project” 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 did all aspects of the construction holding 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 100,000 people attended Museum Day. All 50 states plus Puerto Rico were represented by 651 participating museums.

Attendees must present Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Admission Card for free admission to participating institutions. The admission card is available in the September 2008 issue of Smithsonian magazine and a downloadable version is available at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. The general public is also welcome to participate by downloading the Museum Day Admission Card.

Crazy Horse Memorial is a nonprofit educational and cultural project honoring all American Indians. The memorial is located on Hwy. 16/385 between Hill City and Custer. For more information please call (605) 673-4681 or visit the website at www.crazyhorsememorial.org.

For additional information about the Smithsonian magazine, visit www.smithsonian.com.