Roots of the Americas Exhibit Opening

Roots of the Americas explores the lasting cultural, ecological, and historical impact of plants and crops native to the Americas. Drawing from the Jay I. Kislak Collection of the Early Americas, Exploration and Navigation, the exhibition examines crops such as corn, tobacco, cacao, and medicinal plants, highlighting their central role in Indigenous societies long before European contact.

Through historical materials and botanical context, the exhibition traces how Indigenous agricultural knowledge shaped economies, spiritual practices, and community life across the hemisphere. It also addresses the profound shifts that followed European colonization, as these crops entered global markets, altered landscapes, and transformed local and international economies. The exhibition connects these histories to contemporary foodways and cultural identities, underscoring how the legacy of colonialism continues to influence daily life today.