USPS has joined forces with two Smithsonian museums to interpret 150 Post Office murals depicting American Indians.
The murals are the focus of the virtual exhibit “Indians at the Post Office: Native Themes in New Deal-Era Murals,” a collaborative effort between USPS, the National Postal Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Only a few murals were created by Native American artists, so the organizers are inviting American Indians to write essays to interpret the works and provide authentic insight.
New essays will be added each year to the exhibit, which separates the murals into multiple themes.
“These murals are an important part of American history and are part of a unique collection of art,” said USPS Federal Preservation Officer Daniel Delahaye, who is assisting in the project by providing access to the postal-owned artwork and consultation.
“‘Indians at the Post Office’ is a significant public outreach effort that provides balance and perspective for viewing the subjects,” he said.
The virtual exhibit was introduced a few years ago to help mark National American Indian Heritage Month.