Dramatic photographs, sculpture and murals in this new special exhibit tell the remarkable story of this skywalking construction tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation of Mohawk people. In addition to the 67 black-and-white photographs that document six generations from two Mohawk communities, Akwesasne and Kahnawake, Booming Out also includes a sculpture created by Darryl Pronovost (Mohawk) using metal recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center during the clean-up at Ground Zero. Mohawk Indian ironworkers, who took many of the photos in the exhibit, say that “walking iron” gives them great pride. The Mohawks have constructed portions of national landmarks like the Empire State Building and the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Booming Out was developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s George Heye Center and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The exhibition, its national tour and related programs are made possible by the AMB Foundation. Half-hour guided tours are offered on weekends at 2 pm and feature hands-on activities for children. The tours and exhibit in the Mashantucket Gallery are free with Museum admission and free for Museum members. The exhibit is open 10 am–4 pm.
Friday & Saturday, March 9–10
Ironworkers Talk Skywalking
Ironworkers John Laughing (retired) and Michael Swamp, ironworkers union head on the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, share their experiences and tell tall tales (literally) about life working the “high steel,” building skyscrapers and bridges around the country. Joined by their wives Mary and Lisa, John and Mike discuss the role played by the union, family and community in the lives of Indian ironworkers. From 10 am–10:45 am and 11:30 am–12:15 pm on Friday and from 1–2 pm on Saturday, in the Museum Auditorium. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Friday & Saturday, April 13–14
Skywalking Music & Stories
Theresa and her ironworking husband Sky Fox bring their lives and the Mohawk tradition of “walking the high steel” to life through lively music, stories and their tribal language. Theresa, who was born into a family of ironworkers and grew up to marry one, puts a wife and mother’s point of view into her songs, which incorporate elements of joy, strength and, inevitably, fear. She also uses the Mohawk language, which ironworkers use to communicate at the top of tall buildings, in her songs. From 10–10:45 am and 11:30 am–12:15 pm on Friday and from 1–2:00 pm on Saturday, in the Museum Auditorium. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
Friday & Saturday, May 11–12
Female Ironworker, Wife, Mother and Full Journeyman
Mohawk Cynthia Cook was born into an ironworking family – her father worked on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – and she has continued the tradition. She talks about her life as one of the few women skywalkers and how she balances her dangerous work with family and community life at the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation. From 10–10:45 am and 11:30 am–12:15 pm on Friday and from 1–2 pm on Saturday, in the Museum Auditorium. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.
