Miami Nation of Indians to open new museum in Indiana

PERU, Ind. (AP) – The Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana plans to open a museum at its tribal headquarters in northern Indiana to display artifacts and records documenting the tribe’s history.

Miami Nation volunteer Keith Layman says work should begin in September to convert parts of its Peru tribal complex into a museum about 65 miles north of Indianapolis.

He says the museum will display original tribal history not available anywhere else, including about 100 artifacts, documents on tribal lineage, original copies of land treaties and tribal correspondence.

Money for the project includes a $20,000 grant from the Miami County Community Foundation and a $50,000 state grant.

The Kokomo Tribune reports that the 5,000-member Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana has sought state and federal recognition for more than a century.