Ever think you’d see a necklace made from a rattlesnake skeleton? How about an authentic dugout canoe? Or artifacts from 9000 B.C.? All that and more are on display at the Nanticoke Indian Museum on John Williams Highway in Millsboro.
The Nanticoke Indian tribe lived on the Delmarva Peninsula for over 14,000 years. By the 18th century, English colonists had forced many Nanticoke Indians to leave their homeland. Fortunately, among the Nanticokes who remained were the Harmon family, who have worked hard to keep their heritage alive.
The Nanticoke Indian Museum sits on land donated by Isaac Harmon and was originally used as a school for Indian children. It now houses thousands of artifacts that showcase Nanticoke lifestyle, traditions, and craftsmanship.
When you enter, you’ll see the Nanticoke Indian flag, which dates from 1881. Examine the many arrowheads and other stone artifacts donated by Nanticoke families, many unearthed on their own farms. Other displays show jewelry, including the rattlesnake necklace, which was crafted by stringing together the snake’s delicate vertebrae (it’s actually quite pretty).
Other items include a miniature replica of a birchbark canoe (the full-size dugout canoe is outside, near the parking area), a collection of dolls (including Hopi and Zuni kachina dolls), pottery, and baskets.
Kids will love the life-size diorama that includes taxidermy animals such as deer, turkey, fox, and wolf, as well as a bison head. Mannequins display the clothing once worn (and still worn ceremonially) by Nanticoke Indians. Many are made from deerskins that have been beaded
and ornamented.
In summer, the Nanticoke Indian Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 – 4. Admission is $5 (children under 5 are free). Park next to the building (enter from Mount Joy Road).
Nancy Sakaduski is a local award-winning writer and editor who finds inspiration in the natural world.
