Salina is one of seven Kansas communities to host the "Americans" Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition in 2025 and 2026. Based on an exhibition of the same name that is currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and curated by Paul Chaat Smith (Comanche) and Cécile R. Ganteaume, "Americans" explores the ways American Indian images, names and stories have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began.
The exhibit will be on display at the Smoky Hill Museum from February 28 through April 4, 2026.
The "Americans"exhibition features photographs, hands-on interactives, objects, and videos that invite visitors to explore this history and representation of Native Americans in American culture. Humanities Kansas presents the "Americans" tour in partnership with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program.