Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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(LtoR) Revolutionary War Re-enactor Darryl Gillette, Bear Clan Mother Marilyn John, Bear Clan Rep Brian Patterson, Nation Rep Ray Halbritter, National Society DAR President General Linda Tinker Watkins, Turtle Clan Rep Clint Hill, Mark Greshan of the Black Patriots Foundation, Wolf Clan Rep Keller George, Dan Umstead of the Oneida Nation's Revolutionary War Re-enactment Group. Photo curtesy of NSDAR, Scott Braman, photographer.

Skenandoa, Hanyere, Tyonajenegen, Polly Cooper: The stories of these and other courageous Oneida men and women who made a real difference in the outcome of the Revolutionary War have been proudly passed down for generations by the Oneida People, but they are often ignored in the history books. Now, one of the principal custodians of America's history, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), is sharing the Oneidas' legacy with an international audience.

The DAR Museum in Washington, D.C. has opened an exhibit entitled "Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Service in the American Revolution." It will be on view through August 2, 2003.

The inspirational display includes several items on loan from the Oneida Nation, including Chief Skenandoa's silver pipe, an annuity cloth, an 18th century wampum belt, and a photo of Louella Derrick, a descendant of Polly Cooper, showcasing the Polly Cooper Shawl.

The long-awaited exhibit opened with a reception, sponsored by the Oneida Nation, at the museum on October 17. Nation Representative Ray Halbritter delivered welcoming remarks, on behalf of the Oneida Nation and its people, to the more than 200 assembled guests. "The Oneidas, from generation to generation have been proud to be America's first allied nation. We fought side by side with the colonists who thirsted for freedom even before the United States was born. As we consider the 225th anniversary of the American Revolution, it's highly significant that the Daughters of the American Revolution have composed a wonderful museum exhibit. In doing so, they bring honor upon themselves and upon the memory of those who made this nation possible," he said.

Oneida Nation Rep Ray Halbritter accepts a bronze sculpture from NSDAR President General Linka Tinker Watkins. Photo curtesy of NSDAR, Scott Braman, photographer.

DAR President General Linda Tinker Watkins presented Halbritter with a bronze sculpture of an eagle protecting three offspring. "It is appropriate now that these three eaglets can represent the three Clans of the Oneida Nation: the Turtle, the Wolf and the Bear," she said. "This eagle symbolizes the peace and friendship shared by all whose ancestors fought in the American Revolution. It also symbolizes the strength of this nation and our resolve to live together in harmony."

In further dramatic gestures of friendship, Halbritter presented a reproduction two-row wampum belt to the President General. Brian Patterson, Bear Clan Representative to the Men's Council, draped a Pendleton blanket over her shoulders. Clint Hill, Turtle Clan Representative, presented an Oneida Nation flag, to be flown permanently alongside other flags in the DAR Library.

Halbritter gave a water drum and hoof rattle to Mark Gresham, president and CEO of the Black Patriots Foundation. Gresham returned the favor by giving Halbritter a commemorative coin.

Bear Clan Mother Marilyn John handed a basket of corn to DAR Curator General Rolfe Towle Teague, who then gave Marilyn a supply of pecans that were grown on Teague's farm.

Following the presentation, guests were encouraged to view the exhibit. In addition to the items on loan from the Oneida Nation, there are many examples of the Oneida Nation's distinguished history. Fittingly, it also outlines much of the unfair treatment that the Oneidas were subjected to in later years.

A reproduction of a newspaper account of The Battle of Oriskany describes the actions of a "friendly Indian" and his family who fought alongside the colonists. After the unnamed Indian was shot in the wrist, he continued to fight with the aid of his wife, who loaded his gun while brandishing her own pistols. Oneida oral tradition identifies them as Hanyere and his wife Tyonajenegen, "Two Kettles," who were joined on the battlefield by their son.

The State of New York, as documented in a Land Grant on display, awarded Hanyere 1800 acres in appreciation of his service. The museum description points out that a short time later, the Oneidas lost most of their land.

A reproduction of John Trumbell's portrait of Chief Good Peter is accompanied by a famous 1792 quote; "The voice of the birds from every quarter cried out 'You have lost your country - You have lost your country - You've lost your country! You have acted unwisely, and done wrong.' And what increased the alarm was that the birds who made this cry were white birds."

The Treaties of Fort Stanwix and Canandaigua are described in great detail with reproductions of the documents, maps and letters.

In 1792, a group of Oneidas received blankets and clothing in appreciation for their service during the War. A reproduction of a receipt includes the names of 22 Oneidas, along with their marks.

For the next ten months, students, educators, historical scholars, and tourists will be visiting the museum for a valuable history lesson. "This exhibit will be an excellent learning tool so the role of the patriots who had been forgotten in history can be pushed to the forefront of public awareness and celebrated," Halbritter said.