Come celebrate the legacy of Chief Washakie and be among the first to view the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum’s recently acquired bronze statue of this famous Eastern Shoshone leader. A free unveiling event will be held this Sat., May 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. At 1:15 p.m., Dallin Museum Director Heather Leavell will discuss the history of Dallin’s Chief Washakie statue, and present a recording of a Shoshone leader’s recorded thoughts on Washakie’s achievements and his importance to Indigenous people today.
Visitors are also welcome to tour the galleries and enjoy refreshments in Whittemore Park, located in front of the museum at 611 Mass Ave, Arlington. Parking is available in the lot behind the museum, located off Mystic Street.
Chief Washakie
Washakie (c. 1804–1900) was chief of the Eastern Shoshone tribe for more than 60 years. The tribe lived in the Wind River mountain range and its environs in central Wyoming for approximately 12,000 years. Today, they live on the Wind River Indian Reservation along with the Northern Arapaho Tribe. The Eastern Shoshone are known for their Plains horse culture, and the tribe currently has roughly 4,400 members. A multilingual warrior and diplomat, Washakie chose a strategy of alignment with the encroaching settlers to ensure the future wellbeing of his people. He negotiated with the federal government on the 1863 and 1868 Fort Bridger treaties to secure three million acres in the Wind River valley.
Washakie statue
This meticulously detailed, c. 1944, cast bears the mark of Dallin’s authorized foundry, the Gorham Manufacturing Company. This statue replaces an inferior cast of Washakie owned by the museum that had been produced after Dallin’s death by an unknown foundry. Leavell’s presentation will highlight the differences in quality between the two castings.
Contribute to the museum’s acquisition fund!
In December 2022, the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum made a significant investment in their collection by purchasing the Chief Washakie statue from a local collector, who had offered it as a partial gift. Help the museum rebuild its acquisition fund by making a tax-deductible gift here or by sending a check payable to the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Inc. to P.O. Box 266, Arlington, MA 02476. Thank you!
Cyrus Dallin Art Museum
The museum contains nearly 100 works of artist, and former Arlington resident, Cyrus Dallin—including approximately 50 sculptures, 10 paintings, and several coins and medals. The museum’s mission is to promote new insights into our shared history by exploring the life, work and values of this celebrated sculptor, educator and Indigenous rights activist. Best yet, the museum has a newly redesigned front entryway and Indigenous People’s Gallery. It’s open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. For more information about visiting the museum, contact Nancy Blanton, nblanton@dallin.org. For more information about Dallin’s work and museum events, visit dallin.org.
