Ponca Tribal Museum

The Ponca Tribal community building where the museum is located.

"File:Ponca Tribe Community buildings from NE 1.JPG" by Ammodramus is marked with CC0 1.0

Quick Facts

Location:

Niobrara, NE

MANAGED BY:

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

While out on a hunting trip, the Ponca Tribe first encountered Meriwether Lewis and William Clark near present-day Verdel, Nebraska. Not long after parting ways with the duo’s Corps of Discovery, the Ponca left the area due to constant threat from the Sioux. They relocated near Sioux Falls before finally settling near Niobrara, Nebraska.  

With the signing of the Ponca Restoration Act in 1990, the tribe was officially recognized. Soon after, a complex of building were built to house the Ponca Tribal Museum, as well as the tribal archives, library, and cultural offices in order to serve the nearly 4,000 tribal members. The museum is open to the public and houses a collection of Ponca artifacts, including a variety of tools, artwork, musical instruments, and Chief Standing Bear’s headdress. Its goal is to promote and educate others about the tribe’s history. 

For more information, please call [phone] or visit the Ponca Tribal Museum website at https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/culture/tribal-museum/.