Popular history largely, and unfairly, overlooks the role of Native Americans in our country’s armed forces. They’ve served in every major military encounter from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts in the Middle East—in a higher proportion to their population than any other ethnic group. More than two dozen have won the Medal of Honor.

Through art, photography, and essay, the Smithsonian-produced exhibit Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces reveals their remarkable, 250-year story of service.

Patriot Nations was produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and was made possible by the generous support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Co-sponsored by Missouri Humanities Council.