For centuries, along the valley that traverses present-day Eastern and Central New York, the Mohawk lived in villages composed of many longhouses. They thrived on the natural bounty of the region. The men were warriors, protectors and providers. The women cultivated the fields and nurtured the children.

Along with four other Indian nations to the west, the Mohawk formed the League of the Iroquois. This powerful confederacy kept peace in the region and presented a united front to all outsiders for centuries.

The intrusion of the Europeans brought irrevocable change. Ultimately, the Mohawk were driven from the Valley during the American Revolution because of their alliance with the British.

In 1993, a group of Mohawk returned to the Valley, creating a settlement called Kanatsiohareke. Here, in the land of their grandfathers, they are creating a community where the traditional values of their ancestors are a part of daily life.

Our museum celebrates these tradtional values through artifacts, ancient legend, and stories all presented in a modern comfortable venue that speaks to the past as well as the present.