Celebrate Living Culture at Houston Museum of Natural Science
About this Event
Celebrate Living Culture Saturday, September 12 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm You’re invited to a celebration of heritage, resilience, and tradition. Join us for the 4th anniversary of the reimagined John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, an immersive space honoring the vibrant voices of Indigenous Peoples from North, Central, and South America. Created with the guiding message, “We were here. We are still here.”, this living hall continues to grow thanks to the wisdom and partnership of the HMNS Indigenous Advisory Group. Bring the whole family for a day filled with live cultural performances, hands-on crafts for kids, curated tours, and inspiring appearances from special guests. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that time and programming is subject to change. Visit the museum's website for any updated information. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meet Alabama Coushatta of Texas 9:15 am Join us in the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas for a special opportunity to meet members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Learn more about their culture and community, ask questions, and enjoy the opportunity to connect and take photos together! HMNS Celebrates Indigenous Culture 10:00 am – 4:00 pm You’re invited to a celebration of Indigenous heritage, resilience, and tradition. Bring the whole family for a day filled with live cultural performances, hands-on crafts for kids, curated tours, and inspiring appearances from special guests. Between interactive activities, explore the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, an expansive space honoring the vibrant voices of Indigenous Peoples from North, Central, and South America. SACNAS Demonstrations 11:00 am – 4:00 pm The University of Houston Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (UH SACNAS) will be in the Grand Hall with engaging science demonstration tables you won’t want to miss! Art in the Heart 11:00 am – 4:00 pm We’re adding even more creativity to the celebration! We’re thrilled to welcome our friends from Art in the Heart, who will be stationed at the Sundial creating one-of-a-kind works of art alongside you throughout the event. Art in the Heart uses the power of art to inspire healing, connection, and change—bringing generations together through creativity, storytelling, collaboration, and shared experiences. Come make something beautiful, connect with your community, and be part of the celebration! Bracelet Making Activity 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Join us in the Grand Hall and Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall as we celebrate the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas exhibit with a special day of culture, creativity, and community! Get creative by making your own bracelet, then enjoy a day filled with exciting experiences, including timed exhibit tours, vibrant dance performances, and fascinating artisan demonstrations presented by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl. As a special thank-you, the first 100 members to stop by the Membership table will receive a complimentary cup to take home as a reminder of your day at HMNS. Alabama Coushatta Dance Demonstration 10:00 am – 10:30 am Join us in the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall or on the Mezzanine for a special dance demonstration by members of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe. Learn about the cultural significance of each dance and the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations. Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl Houston Aztec Dancers 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Join us for an energizing Aztec dance and drumming demonstration by Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl. Learn about the living history of Indigenous Mexican identity and cultural practices and how pre-Hispanic culture intersects with the modern Latino identity. Alabama Coushatta Demonstration Tables 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Come close and personal with members from the Alabama Coushatta Tribe where they will walk you through the process of basket weaving, yarn belt weaving and bead loom, in the Grand Hall.