Revisiting the past to empower our stories.
Indigenous America 250 is a community-engaged, community-driven research project grounded in the theories, methods, and sources of Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS)
In 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States will be celebrated. Organizations are preparing for this anniversary in various ways at local, regional, and national levels. The Indigenous America 250 initiative was created in collaboration with the National Parks Service and the Tribal and Cultural Affairs and the History and Preservation Assistance units in Interior Region 1 (IR1), which spans the area from Maine to Virginia. It is administered by ATW Research + Consulting and Alyssa Mt. Pleasant PhD is the Lead Scholar.
The Indigenous America 250 initiative focuses on researching and sharing the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples on their own terms. As a community-engaged and collaborative effort, we are working with Native experts to identify significant stories. Our goal is to elevate stories that center Indigenous peoples and their experiences, introducing important individuals, places, and events into larger, public conversations about the Revolutionary War and its significance.
The StoryMakers: Indigenous American 250 Summer Internship is an unforgettable summer research experience. Part of the Indigenous America 250 initiative, this exciting, capacity-building research internship will provide training for future scholars and professionals, bolstering representation of Indigenous people working in archives and special collections, and supporting the research goals of Indigenous America 250.
This six-week paid internship for young and emerging professionals includes a stipend, travel, and accommodations at a college campus. Interns will spend four weeks in residence in Philadelphia and two weeks collaborating remotely.
Skill-building and Opportunities for selected interns:
Learn archival research techniques
Conduct collaborative and independent research
Contribute to community-engaged research projects
Share research with a range of community and educational audiences
Work with Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) academic experts and community knowledge holders
Study NAIS theories and methods