The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center will strengthen Pequot Culture to honor and serve our Tribal family and friends.
Tribally owned and operated since it opened on Aug. 11, 1998, the Museum brings to life the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. It serves as a major resource on the histories and cultures of Native Americans in the northeast and on the region’s rich natural history.
The Museum is a 308,000-square-foot complex, consisting of permanent exhibits, the Mashantucket Gallery (a gallery for temporary exhibits), classrooms, a 320-seat auditorium, a restaurant, a museum shop and administrative offices. The Research Center houses collections, archives, and archaeology and conservation laboratories where ongoing work from the field is evaluated and studied.
Multi-sensory dioramas and exhibits introduce visitors to the history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the natural and cultural history of the eastern woodlands. Films and videos, interactive programs, archival materials, ethnographic and archaeological collections, commissioned art, and traditional crafts by Native artisans are featured in the exhibits. The building is designed to interact with its surrounding environment while maintaining the ecological integrity of the area.
It embraces the tree line and is nestled into the landscape; two of the five levels of the facility are below ground. The 185-foot stone-and-glass tower provides visitors with sweeping views of the swamp and region. The large, circular, glass-and-steel Gathering Space serves as an arrival and event area.
The Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located at one of America’s oldest Indian reservations, Mashantucket, in Southeastern Connecticut.
Joshua Carter, of Pequot, Narragansett, African American, and Irish descent, is the Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. A devoted husband, father of four, and grandfather, he is passionate about wampum, its traditional use, and the Pequot’s deep connection to the ocean, working to dispel the myth that wampum was money.
Since beginning my journey with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in 1998 within Tribal Finance, I’ve gained insight into the Tribe as a sovereign nation. Joining MPMRC in 2011 deepened my connection to Native American culture. Learning the history and traditions of the Mashantucket Pequot people has been an enriching, educational, and spiritual journey.
Honey serves as the Director of Operations. She has over 10 years of experience providing employment assistance to Tribal Members and managed the MPTN Scholarship Program for 5 years before joining the MPMRC team in September 2024. She is responsible for overseeing all museum operational departments, including retail, food and beverage, Pequot Café, Special Events, and Visitor Services.
Robert oversees all marketing operations, retail, and events. A proud Mashantucket Pequot Tribe member, he is passionate about sharing his culture. Outside work, he enjoys creating wampum jewelry, spending time with family, and exploring the outdoors, especially the beach.
Maurice brings over two decades of experience in hospitality, cultural education, and event management to his leadership role at MPMRC. As Director of Museum Services, he is devoted to bridging Indigenous heritage with meaningful community engagement. Guided by his passion for family, education, and cultural preservation, Maurice works tirelessly to create transformative experiences that celebrate and honor the rich history of the region.
Phil has led the Exhibitions Department at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum since 1998, overseeing operations, installations, maintenance, and audio-visual components. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar, cooking, and exploring the outdoors through hiking, biking, kayaking, and travel.
Joshua Hatcher-Sneed’s journey with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and Museum is inspiring. From early volunteering to a key role in Exhibits, he’s dedicated to preserving his tribe’s history. His curiosity for technology and problem-solving fuels his innovative approach, making his work more than a job—it’s a meaningful commitment to heritage, creativity, and cultural preservation.
Exhibit Technician Cristina Hartley came to the Pequot Museum in 2017 after many decades working for the U.S. Navy as a Visual Information Specialist/Graphic Artist, and Audio/Video Technician. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Rhode Island with continuing education classes at the Rhode Island School of Design in video editing and advertising design.
As a South African native and a graduate in Hospitality Management, I have a passion for creating flawless events and unforgettable weddings. I work closely with clients to bring their dream celebrations to life, ensuring every detail is perfectly planned. Aside from my work, I enjoy baking, visiting new restaurants, traveling, and reading, drawing inspiration from the world around me.
Jackson began his employment at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum in October of 2024 and has a career background in business management, hospitality, retail, food & beverage, casinos and e-commerce. Outside of the museum, Jackson enjoys spending time with his family, attending concerts, playing a variety of musical instruments, disc golf, hiking, snowboarding, photography, reading and traveling
Matthew is a proud New England Institute of Technology graduate with expertise in digital media, photography, and drone videography. He’s also a skilled digital marketer and Social Media Coordinator at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. Passionate about filmmaking, acting, and writing, Matt co-owns “Latina y Gringo” and is the owner of “Eastern Wind Productions”, creating engaging content across various social media platforms.
Kimberly Hatcher-White is a Tribal Elder and holds the position of Collections Manager. With more than 20 years of experience in the museum field, she is passionate about ensuring the Belongings she cares for are preserved for seven generations and beyond. In 2023, Kimberly was honored at the MPMRC 25th Anniversary Gala for her hard work and dedication to the museum.
Matthew is a dedicated artist with over a decade of experience in Cultural Education. In his current role, he collaborates closely with the Collections Manager to ensure the preservation of the invaluable Belongings of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN). His daily work involves meticulous monitoring and routine care of museum spaces, safeguarding these cherished items for generations to come.
Emma Kushman is the Archivist at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, where she manages a diverse collection of tribal archives, rare books and special collections. When not in the archives, she can be found reading, visiting other museums, and baking.
Christina is a Museum Services Associate at MPMRC, specializing in New England Native American history, culture, and heritage. She also serves as Secretary & Historian for Rhode Island Mineral Hunters. Passionate about advocacy, conservation, and preservation, she supports The Dolphin Project & Wolf Hollow. Her husband and soon-to-be-born daughter are her heart and soul.
Sharon Porter is a Museum Services Associate and a proud Mashantucket Pequot Elder. She enjoys sharing her rich cultural heritage with others, fostering connections through history and tradition. In her free time, Sharon cherishes moments with her family, especially her grandchildren, passing down stories and values that keep her Pequot roots alive for future generations.
Jeremey has lived near Mashantucket since age 15. His passions include powwow dancing, singing, guitar playing, music, and boxing. After years at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Jeremey now serves as an educator at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, sharing his cultural knowledge and appreciation with visitors on behalf of his Pequot community.
Kimberley Buck brings her background in retail operations, tourism, public relations, non-profit bookkeeping, and elementary education to her role as Retail Manager of the newly renovated Mashantucket Pequot Museum gift shop. She enjoys sharing history and appreciation of Eastern Woodland and Pequot culture with visitors, and expanding the selection of works by Native artists and authors.
Cassie brings her background in retail and customer service to the gift shop. While not at work she enjoys finding new beaches, time with family/friends, gaming, parks and places to walk around and discover.
Tasia Cecil is a dedicated Museum Services Associate at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, where she helps ensure every guest enjoys a welcoming and meaningful experience. With a warm spirit and strong attention to detail, Tasia supports daily museum operations and assists visitors as they explore the rich history and living culture of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Her commitment to community and cultural preservation shines through in everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the museum team.
The tribal seal is a reflection of the Mashantucket Pequot past and a symbol of hope for the future.
Framed against the sky, the lone tree on a knoll represents Mashantucket, the “much wooded land” where the Pequots hunted and kept alive their identity as an independent people. Displayed on the knoll is the signature of Robin Cassasinnamon, the Pequots’ first leader following the 1637 massacre at Mystick Fort. The fox stands as a reminder that the Pequots are known as “The Fox People”.
At the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, we are committed to ensuring that all visitors have an accessible and enriching experience. Our facility incorporates several features to accommodate guests with disabilities.
