When I was still in college, I took a class about Native Americans. We read books about long-lost tribes, learned how they built their houses, irrigated fields to farm and hunted food. I was endlessly fascinated by the lives of these people.
            The Lenape Indians of Pennsylvania were said to have left the region at the opening of the 19th century. Yet, many still remained in secret. Children of the Lenape lived on their homelands, practicing their religious traditions in secret. Hiding their true heritage, they avoided discovery by the government for more than 200 years.
            The Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is featuring a new exhibit that pays homage to these incredible people. Fulfilling a Prophecy was organized with the help of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania and features never before displayed objects from the private collections of Lenape people in Pennsylvania. Guests will be able to view historic and contemporary photographs and archaeological objects including ancient masks, dolls, jewelry, and traditional art, as well as a number of once-secret family heirlooms, woven rich with hidden Lenape symbolism.
           The exhibit will also address the activities and goals of the Lenape of Pennsylvania today, as members of the community speak out through a video. The exhibit is running now through 2011. For more information please visit www.penn.museum/.