Oneida Nation Announces a $10 Million Gift

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The Oneida Nation, based in Oneida, New York, on Wednesday announced a $10 million gift to The American Revolution Center. The announcement was made in front of the US Capitol by Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and CEO of Oneida Nation Enterprises.

Oneida Nation Announces $10 Million Gift in front of US Capitol Wednesday

The American Revolution Center is in the process of raising more than $80 million to construct The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. The museum, to be built at 3rd and Chestnut Streets in historic Philadelphia, will house the original artifacts, manuscripts, rare books and works of art owned by The American Revolution Center, the non-profit educational organization. The museum will tell the full story of the American Revolution and explore its ongoing legacy, providing context to the many regional museums that present elements of our nation's founding era.

The gift is made in part to recognize the little known, but extraordinary role the Oneidas played in the Revolutionary War. The Oneidas fought in support of the colonists, enduring many hardships and lost lives during America's War for Independence.

“The contributions and tremendous sacrifices of the Oneida people as America's first ally in the Revolutionary War, resulted in an ongoing friendship and treaty relationship between the Oneida Nation and the United States for more than two centuries,”

said Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter.

“Our commitment to the American Revolution Center furthers that friendship and ensures that the resilience displayed together by America's founding fathers and the Oneida people continue to serve as inspiration to everyone who wishes to understand the shared history of the Oneida Nation and America. ”

With Wednesday's gift, the Center is more than a quarter of the way toward matching the $40M Lenfest challenge announced last month.

Mr. Lenfest said,

“Today's announcement will expand Americans'awareness of the ethnic and religious diversity of those who were part of establishing our nation during the American Revolution. This is a story we will be telling in the new museum. We are honored to accept this generous gift and acknowledge the Oneida Indian Nation as a Founder of The Museum of the American Revolution.”

Today, the Oneida Nation has regained prosperity through its Turning Stone Resort and Casino and its 15 other diverse enterprises. Via this new economic surge, the Oneida Nation has provided many programs and services to its tribal citizens and has enacted and supported many philanthropic programs and furthered its commitment to ensuring a peaceful community.

posted July 12, 2012 7:59 am edt