A Guide to Native American Heritage Month in Philadelphia for 2025

The National Constitution Center kicks off Native American Heritage Month with a series of programs and activities exploring the history of Indigenous peoples in pre- and post-colonial America.

Daily programming includes Lenape language activities, a history of Thanksgiving show and activity tables highlighting historic maps from before the American Revolution.

Come back for Thanksgiving weekend, when visitors can create their own take-home corn husk dolls, like those made by the Wampanoag people during the 17th century.

Learn how Native Americans’ role in the Revolutionary War turned the tide of history as part of the Museum of the American Revolution’s Native American Heritage Month programming.

This year, visitors can hear daily talks about Louis Cook, one of the Continental forces’ highest-ranking officers; explore replica documents and artifacts on an interactive Discovery Cart; and learn about the Lenape leader, White Eyes, during the museum’s living history event, Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1775 (November 1-2, 2025) — featuring historical interpretations by DJ Huff of the Seneca Nation.

Highlights also include the museum’s immersive multimedia gallery on the Oneida Nation, screenings of the short film The People of the Standing Stone, and the brand-new exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, which uplifts a diverse range of historical figures, including Indigenous tribes and individuals.

The museum caps the month off with Thanksgiving Weekend programming on November 28-30, 2025, featuring holiday shopping and additional activities at Revolutionary Place — the museum’s hands-on discovery center.

Each week, the galleries at the Philadelphia Art Museum stay open late for an evening of music, pay-as-you-go bites and bevvies, special programming, and half-priced admission. This special edition of Friday Nights celebrates Indigenous history and art across the Americas.

Guests can catch traditional dance performances inspired by Aztec culture; admire a historic Lenape artifact — the Wampum Belt that Lenape leader Tamanend gifted to William Penn; or sit back and enjoy a series of short films by Indigenous filmmakers.

Local nonprofits that support Philly’s Indigenous community, such as IPD (Indigenous Peoples Day) Philly and BlackStar, will also be on hand to share information about their work.

Before the Quakers and William Penn crossed the Atlantic, before the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Lenape people resided throughout much of the Delaware Valley.

This annual collaboration between Morris Arboretum & Gardens and Woodmere presents an evening of Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania stories and music. The stories — passed down through the generations — highlight the history, language, culture, values and horticultural wisdom of the tribe. The “Stories of Resistance” are accompanied by moving drumming and singing by the group Stone Dog Drum. Tickets are required.

Opening Saturday, November 22, 2025

There’s no better time than Native American Heritage Month to launch the Penn Museum’s brand-new Native North America gallery — and you are cordially invited to Opening Day.

The 2,000-square-foot interactive exhibition features more than 250 items from the museum’s historic North American collections alongside contemporary Native American art pieces that explore the political, religious, linguistic and artistic self-determination of Indigenous peoples from across the country.

The museum worked in partnership with eight Indigenous consulting curators to develop the new exhibit space, which shares the complex histories of Native peoples in early America.

Dating back to the ancient Mayan, Aztec, Taíno and Inca civilizations, Latin America has been home to hundreds of Indigenous peoples and cultures.

Join children’s book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris as she delves into Indigenous cultures across the Latino world. Besides celebrating Indigenous heritage, this special bilingual story time also highlights timeless themes of courage and belonging. Especially great for children ages 4 through 8, the afternoon also features kid-friendly activities and pay-as-you-go concessions.

As one of the oldest cities in the nation, Philadelphia offers a rich collection of Indigenous culture, art, artifacts and historical lands and sacred legends.

Want to know more about the region’s Indigenous sites, landmarks and attractions? Comb through our guide on Where to Explore Indigenous Culture in Greater Philly and celebrate all year long.