What is a land acknowledgment?
A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects the history and presence of Indigenous peoples and their enduring relationship to their traditional homelands since time immemorial. 

Massillon Museum’s Land Acknowledgment
The Massillon Museum recognizes that this is the traditional homeland of the Lenape (Delaware), Shawnee, Wyandot, Miami, Ottawa, Seneca-Cayuga, Chippewa, Potawatomi, and tribes now comprising the Peoria Tribe (Wea, Piankashaw, and Kaskaskia). We acknowledge these peoples, their elders past, present, and future, and the thousands of Native people who now call Northeast Ohio home.

The Massillon Museum and the Western Stark County region occupy land officially ceded by 1,100 chiefs and warriors signing the Treaty of Greenville in 1795.

This land acknowledgment is a work in progress. The Massillon Museum will update this land acknowledgment as work with Native American tribes and organizations continues.

Massillon Public Library—Main, Askren, and Belloni Branches

Canal Fulton Public Library

John Strauss Furniture

Kent State University at Stark Library

Kozmo's Grille

Lepley & Co.—Massillon Train Depot

Massillon Family YMCA

Massillon Parks and Recreation

Massillon Senior Center

Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce

North Canton Community Building YMCA

Paul & Carol David YMCA—Jackson

Schalmo Family YMCA—Canal Fulton

Tremont Coffee—Massillon and Perry

Walsh University Library

Tuesday, March 15, through Saturday, May 14

Artist Talk: April 22 at noon, Kent State University, Center for the Visual Arts, Room 165 

Exhibition Reception: April 22, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., KSU Downtown Gallery

This Is Home: Recent Painting by Luanne Redeye

Kent State University Downtown Gallery

141 East Main Street, Kent, OH 44240

As a part of the 2022 Big Read, Kent State University invites the public to a solo exhibition of artist Luanne Redeye's (Seneca Nation of Indians, Hawk Clan) work. The exhibition will be open Tuesday, March 15, through Saturday, May 14, 2022. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The artist talk will take place on Friday, April 22, at noon on Kent State University's campus in the Center for the Visual Arts, Room 165. The exhibition reception will take place at the KSU Downtown Gallery on Friday, April 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Free. For more information, visit galleries.kent.edu.

Saturday, March 26, through Sunday, May 22

Un-settling: A Story of Land Removal and Resistance

Massillon Museum Aultman Health Foundation Gallery

MassMu invites the public to visit this exhibition of contemporary Native American artists' works complementing the 2022 NEA Big Read. Un-settling is a visual accompaniment to the memories of yesterday and stories of today that parallel the words of Native American Poet Laureate Joy Harjo in her award-winning book and MassMu's 2022 NEA Big Read book selection, An American Sunrise. In celebration of An American Sunrise, contemporary Native American artists Norman Akers, Jesse Cooday, Gregg Deal, Dakota Mace, Natani Notah, Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, Will Wilson, and Melanie Yazzie add their own reflections on removal and resistance to Harjo’s stories. Un-settling is co-curated by Dr. Shana Klein and Marissa Tiroly from the Kent State University School of Art. This exhibition will be on view Saturday, March 26, through Sunday, May 22, 2022.

The opening reception will take place in conjunction with the NEA Big Read Kickoff on Saturday, April 2, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

Free and open during regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Saturday, April 2

12:00 to 2:00 p.m. 

Do the Mu with Doug Laubacher

Massillon Museum Classrooms

Designing Your Own Cartoon Characters with Pareidolia with Doug Laubacher

Take inspiration from the world around you! Learn to draw fun and interesting cartoon characters by observing everyday objects. Use the power of your own brain and harness the phenomena of pareidolia to create your very own original cartoon characters! All ages are welcome. All materials will be provided, but people are encouraged to bring their favorite sketchbook and supplies.

Free. No registration required. For more information, please call Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Saturday, April 2

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

2022 NEA Big Read Massillon Kickoff

Massillon Museum

Pick up your free copy of the 2022 NEA Big Read Massillon book selection, An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo. The Massillon Public Library Bookmobile and staff members will be on First Street. Opening receptions will take place for two new exhibitions: Un-settling: A Story of Land Removal and Resistance in the Aultman Health Foundation Gallery and Threads Moving Backward and Forward: Contemporary Textile Artworks from Ohio in the Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery.

Free. No registration required. For more information, please call Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Saturday, April 2, through Wednesday, May 18

Threads Moving Backward and Forward: Contemporary Textile Artworks from Ohio

Massillon Museum Fred F. Silk Community Gallery

MassMu invites the public to the exhibition of textile artworks created by Ohio artists complementing the 2022 NEA Big Read. This small group exhibition of Ohio artists emphasizes textile artwork by women and people of color to establish a conversation between the function of fiber arts across cultures and traditions. It features artwork by Jo Westfall, Canton; Malcolm Dakar!, Lorain; Benedict Scheuer, Columbus; and Katie Mongoven, Cleveland Heights. The exhibition is curated by Stephen Tornero, a weaver and art educator based in Canton. The exhibition will be open Saturday, April 2, through Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

The opening reception will take place in conjunction with the NEA Big Read Kickoff on Saturday, April 2, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Free. No registration required. For more information, please call the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061. 

Saturday, April 2, through Sunday, April 24

Traveling Stanzas Poetry Banner Exhibit

Massillon Museum Lower Level Lobby

This exhibit of banners featuring Joy Harjo's poetry is on loan from the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University, which is currently holding a parallel Big Read program, NEA Big Read Northeast Ohio.

Visit www.BigRead.TravelingStanzas.com to learn more and to participate in the interactive online poetry project!

Thursday, April 7

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The River and the Wolf Book Signing with Chris Craft

Massillon Museum

Meet MassMu Exhibition and Program Specialist Chris Craft, author of the new book The River and the Wolf, and have your copy of the book signed!

Free. No registration required.

Saturday, April 9

Screening from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Meet Molly from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Screening of PBS KIDS's Molly of Denali 

Massillon Museum Gessner Hall

Join MassMu for a free screening of two episodes of the PBS KIDS show Molly of Denali on Saturday, April 9, at 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Little Read. Families will be able to meet Molly from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Get ready to sled into fun with Molly of Denali! In this show for children ages 4 to 8, join Molly, an Alaska Native girl, her dog Suki, and friends Tooey and Trini on their adventures in epically beautiful Alaska. Along the way, Molly’s life is enhanced, kept on track, and flat-out saved by maps, guide books, websites, weather reports, and more.

Free. Registration required. To reserve your free tickets, please visit www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. 

Monday, April 11

6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 

Online Book Discussion of An American Sunrise with Women's Impact

Women's Impact Zoom

Women's Impact welcomes guests to an online book club to discuss An American Sunrise. The group meets monthly to discuss books about women who changed the world. As working and retired women, Women's Impact members support each other in their careers and volunteer activities to "Unleash our power to realize our full potential." This program is recommended for ages 18 and up. 

Free. No registration required. For more information and for the Zoom link, visit www.WomensImpactInc.com.

Tuesday, April 12

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In-Person Book Discussion of An American Sunrise with Christina Haas

Massillon Museum

Join retired educator Christina Haas for a book discussion about Joy Harjo's An American Sunrise.

Free. Registration required. To register, please visit www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061.

Wednesday, April 13

5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Film Screening of Gather

Massillon Public Library

As a part of the 2022 NEA Big Read, the Massillon Public Library invites the public to a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary film Gather on Wednesday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the MPL Auditorium. This program is open to adults 18 years and older.

Free. Registration is required and begins on March 30. To register or for more information, please contact Miranda Greathouse at greathmi@massillonlibrary.org or call 330-832-9831 x304.

Wednesday, April 13

7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Live Online Un-settling Exhibition Curator and Artist Panel

Massillon Museum Facebook

Join MassMu for a live online panel featuring co-curators Dr. Shana Klein and Marissa Tiroly and artists Norman Akers, Gregg Deal, and Natani Notah as they discuss their work and Un-settling: A Story of Land Removal and Resistance. This program will be streamed via MassMu's Facebook page. www.Facebook.com/MassillonMuseum, and later uploaded to the Museum's YouTube.

Free. No registration required. For more information, please call the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Saturday, April 16, through Wednesday, June 1

Michael Gill: The Grownups Keep Talking/Nobody Knows Why

Massillon Museum Studio M Gallery

MassMu invites the public to this exhibition of woodcut prints and associated artist books created by artist Michael Gill. The exhibition will be open during regular Museum hours from Saturday, April 16, through Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Gill will lead a free program at the Massillon Public Library in conjunction with this exhibition on Saturday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m. The exhibition opening reception will take place at the Massillon Museum on Saturday, April 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. More information about these programs is listed below.

Free and open during regular Museum hours. For more information, please call the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 30

April StoryWalk® Featuring Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Outside Massillon Public Library

The Massillon Public Library Children’s Department invites families to come take a walk on their April StoryWalk® in conjunction with the 2022 NEA Big Read. Stop by the Massillon Public Library anytime from April 18 through April 30 to read Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard. Begin your walk in the Camille Leslie Memorial Garden on Lincoln Way East and read your way to our Second Street Entrance. Don’t forget to pick up a take-home craft at the end! The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Free. For more information, please call Darcie Saunier at 330-832-9831.

Tuesday, April 19

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Online Book Discussion of An American Sunrise with David Harding

Massillon Museum Zoom

Join retired educator David Harding for this online book discussion about An American Sunrise and the history of injustices committed against Native Americans.

Free. Registration required. To register, please visit www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061.

Wednesday, April 20

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Book Discussion of An American Sunrise

Massillon Public Library

As a part of the 2022 Big Read, the Massillon Public Library invites the public to a book discussion of the 2022 NEA Big Read book selection An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo on Wednesday, April 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the MPL Auditorium.

Free. To register, please visit www.MassillonLibrary.org. Registration is required, begins at 8:00 a.m. on April 4, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on April 18. For more information, please contact Miranda Greathouse at greathmi@massillonlibrary.org or call 330-832-9831 x304.

Wednesday, April 20

7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

One-Act Plays

Washington High School Auditorium

Washington High School invites the public to an hour of one-act plays, written by Brayden Frascone, John Kiste, and Drama Club students, directed by the senior members of the WHS Drama Club, and performed by members of the Drama Club.

Free. No registration required. For more information, please call Monica Erichsen at 330-830-3901 x51467.

Thursday, April 21

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Online Book Discussion of An American Sunrise with David Harding

Massillon Museum Zoom

Join retired educator David Harding for this online discussion about An American Sunrise and poetry.

Free. Registration required. To register, please visit www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061.

Thursday, April 21

4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Connecting Threads: An Introduction to Textiles Workshop with Allison Smith

Massillon Museum Classrooms

This program complements the NEA Big Read and Threads Moving Backward and Forward, on view in the Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery.

Weaving is a craft that is thousands of years old and crosses every culture. Not only is it a means to produce cloth for clothes and other necessary items, but can also be used to create art! Weaving involves the interlacing of threads on a loom and in this workshop, you will learn the basics of weaving on your own cardboard loom. Participants in this workshop are encouraged to also explore alternative materials to weave with, such as fabric strips, paper, and plastic bags!

Tickets are $20/member and $25/nonmember. For more information or to reserve your ticket, please visit www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061.

Friday, April 22

Artist Talk at noon, KSU Center for the Visual Arts, Room 165

Exhibition Reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 East Main Street, Kent, OH 44240

This Is Home: Recent Painting by Luanne Redeye Artist Talk and Reception

Kent State University Campus

As a part of the 2022 Big Read, Kent State University invites the public to a solo exhibition of artist Luanne Redeye's (Seneca Nation of Indians, Hawk Clan) work. The exhibition will be open Tuesday, March 15, through Saturday, May 14, 2022. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The artist talk will take place on Friday, April 22, at noon on Kent State University's campus in the Center for the Visual Arts, Room 165. The exhibition reception will take place at the KSU Downtown Gallery on Friday, April 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Free. For more information, visit galleries.kent.edu.

Friday, April 22

4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

BeYoutiful Weirdo Workshop: The Power of Words through Poetry

Straight Path Community Center

325 3rd St. SE, Massillon, OH 44646

Join BeYoutiful Weirdo LLC for a workshop for young girls as they learn about the power of words through poetry!

Free. This program is recommended for girls third grade and up. To register or for more information, contact Ke'Aunte Harris at harriskeaunte@gmail.com. 

Saturday, April 23

8:00 to 9:00 a.m

Poetry and Mindfulness Program led by Stark Parks

Petros Lake Park

3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, OH 44706

This year’s NEA Big Read book An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo is a collection of poems about her ancestors during the Indian Removal Act in the 1830s. Many of the poems have a connection between humans and nature, along with making peace with the past. In this program, the Education Programmer will share poetry from the book while participants complete stations along the Mindfulness Walk at Petros Lake Park. It is a one-mile trail with ten stations that are designed to promote mental health and self-care while enjoying nature. Please meet at the entrance to the Mindfulness Walk near the Woodland Shelter at 8:00 a.m. to begin. All Ages are welcome.

Free. To register, please visit https://reservations.starkparks.com/programs. For more information, please contact Trevor Householder at 330-479-2344. 

Saturday, April 23

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Michael Gill Author Visit

Massillon Public Library

Meet Northeast Ohio artist Michael Gill and enjoy a free reading and printing demonstration! Gill's exhibition is on view in Massillon Museum's Studio M Gallery from April 16 through June 1, 2022.

Free. No registration. For more information, please contact Miranda Greathouse at greathmi@massillonlibrary.org or call 330-832-9831 x304.

Saturday, April 23

5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Michael Gill: The Grownups Keep Talking/Nobody Knows Why Exhibition Reception

Massillon Museum Studio M Gallery

Massillon Museum invites the public to a reception for Michael Gill's exhibition The Grownups Keep Talking/Nobody Knows Why. The artist's remarks and a demonstration will begin at 6:00 p.m. This program is held in conjunction with Last Saturday in Downtown Massillon.

Free. No registration. For more information, please call the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Monday, April 25

1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

In-Person Book Discussion of Joy Harjo's Poet Warrior with the Page Turners Book Club

Massillon Public Library

On Monday, April 25, from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m., the Massillon Public Library will host The Page Turners Book Club in the MPL Auditorium. Join us each fourth Monday to talk about books you just can’t put down! In conjunction with the 2022 NEA Big Read, April’s book selection is Poet Warrior by Joy Harjo.

Free. No registration. For more information, please contact Miranda Greathouse at greathmi@massillonlibrary.org or 330-832-9831 x304.

Tuesday, April 26

12:10 to 12:50 p.m

Brown Bag Lunch featuring Dr. John N. Low, Director of Newark Earthworks Center

Massillon Museum's Gessner

MassMu invites the public to a discussion on Ohio's earthworks and the Newark Earthworks site. Coffee and cookies provided. Bring a lunch or purchase your lunch at Greatness Cafe in MassMu's lobby.

Free. For more information, please call Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061.

Tuesday, April 26

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Poetry Read-In 

Massillon Public Library

As a part of the 2022 Big Read, the Massillon Public Library invites the public to the annual Poetry Read-In on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the MPL Auditorium. Bring your original poems, share the work of your favorite poet, or just sit back and enjoy listening to some great recitations. Each reader’s poems must be family-friendly and limited to five minutes. Featured readers will be: Winners of MPL’s 2022 Poetry Contest, MPL Poetry Contest Judge Duane Matthew Dodson, local authors, local historian Margy Vogt, Children’s Librarian Laura Klein, and more!

Free. For more information, please contact Miranda Greathouse at greathmi@massillonlibrary.org or call 330-832-9831 x304.

Wednesday, April 27

4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

In-Person Book Discussion of An American Sunrise

John Strauss Furniture

236 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, OH 44702

John Strauss, owner of John Strauss Furniture, invites the public to a book discussion of the 2022 NEA Big Read book selection An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo on Wednesday, April 27, at 4:00 p.m. at his store in downtown Canton.

Free. To register, please email John Strauss at John@StraussFurniture.com.

Thursday, April 28

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

A Conversation with Sundance, Director of the Cleveland American Indian Movement

Massillon Museum Gessner Hall

Join MassMu for a conversation with Sundance, Executive Director of the Cleveland American Indian Movement, moderated by Dr. Shana Klein from Kent State University, on Thursday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m. in Gessner Hall. This program complements Un-settling: A Story of Land Removal and Resistance and the 2022 NEA Big Read.

Reserve your free ticket at www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061 for more information.

Saturday, April 30

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

An American Sunrise Book Discussion with Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County

Carpe Diem Coffee Shop

215 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702

Join members of Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County for a free book discussion about An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo!

Free. To register, visit tinyurl.com/SoroptimistCSC.

Saturday, April 30

12:00 to 2:00 p.m. 

Little Read Fry Bread Open House

Massillon Public Library

As a part of the 2022 Big Read, the Massillon Public Library’s Children’s Department will host the Kids’ Fry Bread Open House in the MPL Auditorium. Join us for a Fry Bread celebration with crafts, stories, activities, and more featuring the children’s book Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard! This event is also held in conjunction with Last Saturday Massillon.

Free. No registration. For more information about this free program for children, please contact childrensevents@massillonlibrary.org or call 330-832-9831 x317.

Saturday, April 30

5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Screening of N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear

Massillon Museum

Enjoy a free film screening of this PBS American Masters documentary about N. Scott Momaday, Kiowa author, poet, and formative voice in art and literature. This program is held in conjunction with Last Saturday in Downtown Massillon.

Free. Reserve your free ticket at www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061. 

Thursday, May 5

7:00 p.m.

     Joy Harjo, © Matika Wilbur

2022 NEA Big Read Massillon Keynote with Joy Harjo

Massillon Museum Gessner Hall

Join us at the Massillon Museum for the 2022 NEA Big Read Massillon Keynote with Joy Harjo, author of An American Sunrise. 

In 2019, Joy Harjo was appointed the 23rd United States Poet Laureate, the first Native American to hold the position and only the second person to serve three terms in the role. Harjo’s nine books of poetry include An American Sunrise, Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings, How We Became Human: New and Selected Poems, and She Had Some Horses. She is also the author of two memoirs, Crazy Brave and Poet Warrior, which invite us to travel along the heartaches, losses, and humble realizations of her "poet-warrior" road. She has edited several anthologies of Native American writing including When the Light of the World was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through—A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry, and Living Nations, Living Words, the companion anthology to her signature poet laureate project. Her many writing awards include the 2019 Jackson Prize from the Poetry Society of America, the Ruth Lilly Prize from the Poetry Foundation, the 2015 Wallace Stevens Award from the Academy of American Poets, and the William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America. She is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, Board of Directors Chair of the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, and holds a Tulsa Artist Fellowship. A renowned musician, Harjo performs with her saxophone nationally and internationally; her most recent album is I Pray For My Enemies. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Free. Reserve your free ticket at www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061.