Smithsonian Accepts Dugout Canoe from Plimoth Plantation

A traditional Native American canoe, or mishoon, created by Plimoth Plantation’s Wampanoag Indigenous Program (WIP), will join the collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The mishoon was created on the Wampanoag Homesite at Plimoth Plantation in the spring. A documentary, produced by Plymouth Access Cable Television, and the canoe will be transported to the Washington D.C. museum on September 6.

Darius Coombs, Associate Director of the Wampanoag Indigenous Program, contacted the Smithsonian and offered to donate a mishoon. Work started a short time later on the 16-foot boat.

“As a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Native American communities, we’re delighted to welcome a creation like this one that represents a living tradition among the Wampanoag,” said Kevin Gover (Pawnee) Director, National Museum of the American Indian, via a press release.