MIAMI, OK – The brand-new Family Discovery Center at First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City will have its grand opening later this summer, thanks in part to support from the Shawnee Tribe. In May 2024, the Shawnee Tribe’s business council approved a pledge of $500,000 over four years to help support the FAMily Discovery Center.
The goal of the Family Discovery will be to encourage whole-family engagement through activities and playful experiences while learning the importance of community, respect, resilience, and discovering the role everyone plays in stewardship and caring for the world.
“Supporting this center was and is an honor for the business council,” said Second Chief Roy Baldridge. “This gift represents a continuation of our partnership with FAM started by former Chief Ron Sparkman during his tenure on First Americans Museum’s development team many years ago.”
Last August, the tribe and museum partnered with the University of Oklahoma School of Dance and other partners to host the Five Moons Dance Festival in honor of renowned Shawnee ballerina Yvonne Chouteau. Visitors to the Family Discovery Center can now meet Yvonne Chouteau, one of six original heroes featured in the Tree Trunk Transporter exhibit area. Guests can explore her inspiring story and even take a selfie with Yvonne. The special keepsake celebrates the idea that everyone has unique gifts to share with the world.
“We are deeply grateful to the Shawnee Tribe for championing a space where families can connect with Native values and stories in ways that truly reflect our communities,” said Shoshana Wasserman, FAM Deputy Director and Co-Curator of the Family Discovery Center. “This September’s opening would not be possible without their generous support. Thank you, on behalf of all the future generations whose lives your gift will touch.”
