John P. McGovern

Hall of the Americas

3rd Anniversary

Celebrate Living Culture

Saturday, September 20 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

You’re invited to a celebration of heritage, resilience, and tradition.

Join us for the 3rd anniversary of the reimagined John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, an immersive space honoring the vibrant voices of Indigenous Peoples from North, Central, and South America.

Created with the guiding message, “We were here. We are still here.”, this living hall continues to grow thanks to the wisdom and partnership of the HMNS Indigenous Advisory Group.

Bring the whole family for a day filled with live cultural performances, hands-on crafts for kids, curated tours, and inspiring appearances from special guests.

Event Schedule

SACNAS Demonstrations
9:00 am – 11:00 am
The University of Houston Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (UH SACNAS) will be in the Grand Hall with engaging science demonstration tables you won’t want to miss!

Membership Craft Table
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join us in the Grand Hall and Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall as we celebrate our Hall of the Americas exhibit with a special day of culture, creativity, and community!

Get creative with a clay cup-inspired craft and dive into a day full of excitement—enjoy timed exhibit tours, lively dance performances, and captivating artisan demonstrations by the Alabama Coushatta Tribe and other cultural groups!

The first 100 members to visit the membership table will receive a free pocket journal—perfect for jotting down your favorite moments of the day!

Concierge Lighting Tours
Tours starting at 9:00 am & 2:00 pm

Experience the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas with our knowledgeable Concierge team through our Lightning Tours. These brief, engaging guided tours highlight key features of the exhibit and last approximately 15–20 minutes.

Please meet your tour guide on the third floor by the exhibit entrance.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteers and Touch Carts
Available times: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

Join our expert volunteers throughout the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas and ask all those burning questions you’ve been curious about. You’ll have the chance to see select artifacts up close and learn about their history and significance within the communities they represent.

Volunteers will be stationed throughout the hall for one hour in the morning and in the afternoon.

Alabama Coushatta Dance Demonstration
11:00 am – 11:30 am

Join us in the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall or on the Mezzanine for a special dance demonstration by members of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe. Learn about the cultural significance of each dance and the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.

Alabama Coushatta Demonstration Tables
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Come close and personal with members from the Alabama Coushatta Tribe where they will walk you through the process of basket weaving, yarn belt weaving and bead loom.

Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl
Houston Aztec Dancers
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Join us for an energizing Aztec dance and drumming demonstration by Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl. Learn how Indigenous and Hispanic identities intersect through cultural expression and conversation.