Historic Federal Publications for Indigenous Peoples Month

This month’s rare book display features historic federal publications that reflect early federal research and documentation related to Indigenous nations across North America.

Presented in their original form, these works offer insight into how Native cultures, languages, and histories were recorded and studied by government agencies of the past. While some materials include outdated terminology or perspectives, they remain valuable for understanding the evolution of federal policy, scholarship, and public awareness. Displayed respectfully and for educational purposes, these documents invite reflection on how historical narratives have shaped our understanding of Indigenous heritage. The exhibit also highlights information connected to South Carolina and its Indigenous communities as represented in these historic publications.

Featured Publications

Cover of Forty-second annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1924-1925

Forty-second annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1924-1925

United States Government Printing Office

The forty-second annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology presents the Bureau's activities for 1924-1925 under the direction of J. Walter Fewkes. The volume includes studies by John R. Swanton on the social organization, cultural traditions, and healing practices of the Muscogee (Creek) people, as well as his overview of Indigenous cultures of the southeastern United States. It also features William Edward Myer's research on traditional travel routes and landscapes of the region. Together, these works document early twentieth-century federal research on Indigenous nations of the Southeast and reflect contemporary understandings of anthropology and archaeology during that period.

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Cover of Twelfth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1890-'91.

Twelfth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1890-'91

United States Government Printing Office

The twelfth annual report of the Bureau of Ethnology presents John Wesley Powell's account of the Bureau's activities for 1890-1891, followed by a detailed monograph on the mound explorations conducted under the direction of Cyrus Thomas. The volume documents archaeological investigations of prehistoric earthworks across the United States, providing illustrations, site descriptions, and analyses that contribute to the study of Indigenous cultures and the early development of American archaeology.

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Cover of Native Cemeteries and Forms of Burial East of the Mississippi.

Native Cemeteries and Forms of Burial East of the Mississippi

United States Government Printing Office

This book examines the various indigenous burial customs, grave goods, and cemetery structures, highlighting the diversity and complexity of burial practices during the pre-contact and early contact periods.

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Cover of Early History of the Creek Indians and Their Neighbors.

Early History of the Creek Indians and Their Neighbors

United States Government Printing Office

Provides an overview of the nations that once made up the Creek Confederacy, including the Hitchiti, Alabama, and Choctaw groups, as well as the Tuskegee, Guale, Yamasee, Cusabo, Chatot, and Osochi peoples. Also covers Muskogee and Natchez branches, the Uchean and Timuquanan stock, South Florida Indians, and the Tamahiti.

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Cover of The Indian Tribes of North America.

The Indian Tribes of North America

United States Government Printing Office

Presents a detailed survey of the Indigenous peoples of North America, organized by present-day state and region, with historical and ethnographic information on each group. Includes coverage of communities in Canada, the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America. Contains bibliographical references, an index, and folded maps.

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Cover of Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico: Part 2

Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico: Part 2

United States Government Printing Office

Provides an encyclopedic reference to the Indigenous peoples of North America, arranged alphabetically from N to Z. Entries include historical, cultural, and linguistic information, as well as maps and illustrations.

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Cover of Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico: Part 1.

Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico: Part 1

United States Government Printing Office

Provides an encyclopedic reference to the Indigenous peoples of North America, arranged alphabetically from A to M. Entries include historical, cultural, and linguistic information, as well as maps and illustrations.

View in Catalog

Upcoming Event

Hand with finger pointing upwards.

Building Statewide Access: Lessons from Tennessee’s Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

November 17, 2025, 3:00 PM

 In this session, Beth Williamson and Cynthia Moynihan will share how the program—through collaboration between Tennessee State Library and Archives and Nashville Public Library—has built and sustained a statewide model for accessibility, outreach, and partnership. 

This Week