They Came to Washington: The First Ambassadors

In 1821, artist Charles Bird King was commissioned by Thomas McKenney, U.S. Superintendent of Indian Trade, to paint portraits of American Indian tribal leaders visiting Washington D.C. to negotiate pressing issues with representatives of the American government. A fire later destroyed most of King's canvases, but an 1836 series of lithographs of his works survived. This exhibit includes almost 40 of these scarce prints and tells the stories of their distinguished subjects. Some of Grace Hudson's rare portraits of Pawnee Indians will also be on display, along with examples of Indian Peace Medals from the time period.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.