This exhibition — a unique educational collaboration with educator Dr. James Delle and 16 students from Kutztown University — will feature “Archeology in Berks” as a theme to explore the rich history of the Lenape. Using artifacts mainly from the Museum’s permanent collection (many found by the Museum’s second Director, Earl Lincoln Poole), visitors will learn about Lenape culture and westward migration after European contact, North American Indian “hotspots” within Berks County, styles of projectile points, historical changes in subsistence, and models of Lenape life, showing tools and objects “in use.”

Dr. Delle said, “I am an archeologist at Kutztown University, but my version of archeology is a very broad one in as much as I hope to portray the ancient history of the Lenape people from many different perspectives… not just over the last few hundred years, but from the Lenape and their ancestors from at least 12,000 or 15,000 years ago.”

The Lenape or Lenni-Lenape (later named Delaware Indians by Europeans) were, in the 17th century, organized bands of North American Indian peoples who shared cultural and linguistic characteristics. They are the first people the Europeans met when they first set foot on what is now the United States.

The Lenape Nation were once sovereign over a vast domain stretching along the Middle Atlantic coast from New York Bay to Delaware Bay, between the Hudson and Delaware valleys. Their original territory was Western Connecticut, southern New York, eastern Pennsylvania and all of New Jersey and Delaware. Today, separated by vast differences and divided by international borders, most descendants of the tribe continue to recognize a common identity and history marked by hardship and struggle.

“We’re going to be telling the story of Lenape history from two sides — what we can demonstrate scientifically, through the archeological collection here at the Museum, but will also be using Lenape history brought from their oral traditions — their ancient memories of their own past,” added Dr. Delle.

Ronald C. Roth, Museum Director and CEO stated: “This collaboration with Kutztown University is an excellent way for us to fulfill our mission to be a dynamic center of lifelong learning, as well as to build partnerships with organizations in our community. We are grateful for this opportunity to present our collection in a way that nurtures the imagination of young and old alike.”

This exhibition is underwritten in part by Kutztown University and grants from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Click here to hear an interview with Dr. James Delle.

Image (top): Taxoxi Kowàni'kàn (Turtle Shell Rattle), c. 1936, Lenape/Delaware peoples, Oklahoma, shell, wood, sinew, corn kernels, Museum Purchase, Dr. Frank Speck Collection

Turtle shell rattles served several sacred functions. They were used in ceremonies to keep time with the drummers or the voice of a ritual singer, in prayer, to attract the attention of the creator, in healing rituals, and to bring assistance of spirit helpers in curing a sick person.

Turtle shell rattles were also shaken at the faces of Misinghali’kun (Living Solid Face) carved into the poles of the Big House. During ceremonies the people called forth supernatural forces or gave thanks for their blessings.

The turtle was one of the most important symbols in the legend of the Lenape/Delaware peoples. Their history began when Kishelemukong, the Creator, brought a giant turtle Taxkwâx up from the depths of a great ocean. The turtle grew until it became a huge island, now known as North America. They believed that the first men and women sprouted from a tree, which grew on the turtle's back.