WASHINGTON, D.C. and PHILADELPHIA |  The American Revolution Center has announced a $10 million gift from the Oneida Indian Nation in support of the center’s planned Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
The gift is made in part to recognize the little known, but extraordinary role the Oneidas played in the Revolutionary War. With this gift, the Center is more than a quarter of the way toward matching the $40M Lenfest challenge announced last month
The gift, which was made in honor of the Oneidas and their role in the Revolutionary War, will help the center meet a $40 million challenge grant from Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest. “The contributions and tremendous sacrifices of the Oneida people as America’s first ally in the Revolutionary War resulted in an ongoing friendship and treaty relationship between the Oneida Nation and the United States for more than two centuries,” said Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter. “Our commitment to the American Revolution Center furthers that friendship and ensures that the resilience displayed together by America’s founding fathers and the Oneida people continue to serve as inspiration to everyone who wishes to understand the shared history of the Oneida Nation and America.”
To be located on the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park, the museum, which aims to tell the full story of the American Revolution while exploring its ongoing legacy and providing context for the many regional and national museums that present key aspects of the country’s founding era, will house the original artifacts, manuscripts, rare books, and artworks owned by the American Revolution Center.
“Today’s announcement will expand Americans’ awareness of the ethnic and religious diversity of those who were part of establishing our nation during the American Revolution. This is a story we will be telling in the new museum,” said Lenfest, who serves as chairman of the American Revolution Center. “We are honored to accept this generous gift and acknowledge the Oneida Indian Nation as a founder of the Museum of the American Revolution.”
The Oneidas fought in support of the colonists, enduring many hardships and lost lives during America’s War for Independence. “The contributions and tremendous sacrifices of the Oneida people as America’s first ally in the Revolutionary War, resulted in an ongoing friendship and treaty relationship between the Oneida Nation and the United States for more than two centuries” said Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter. “Our commitment to the American Revolution Center furthers that friendship and ensures that the resilience displayed together by America’s founding fathers and the Oneida people continue to serve as inspiration to everyone who wishes to understand the shared history of the Oneida Nation and America.”evolution Center joined with Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and other leaders of the Oneida Nation in announcing a $10 million gift from the Oneidas to the Center
Click here to learn more:
http://www.americanrevolutioncenter.org/press-releases/museum-american-revolution-receives-10m-donation-oneida-indian-nation
