Selections from The North American Indian

November 5, 2009 â€" January 10 & January 14 â€" April 4, 2010

In 1907, photographer Edward Curtis began work on a series of books and portfolios titled The North American Indian. The intent of the project was to document, both in writing and photography, the lives and cultures of the tribes living in the United States. The final project was comprised of 20 leather bound books, each with an accompanying photographic portfolio, for a total of 2,228 illustrations. The North American Indian was available as a subscription, but due to the price, only about 220 were ever produced. The Hackley Public Library opened a subscription in 1908 and completed its set in 1930. In 1976 the complete set was transferred to the Muskegon Museum of Art as a permanent loan. Two exhibitions will display highlights from this extensive collection.