Archives and Library

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center (CHC) houses all Tribal archival materials and other items of anthropological significance.  These items are the keys to the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and it's people.  It is of great importance that these items be preserved, protected, and exhibited.  The holdings, most of which are one-of-a-kind, include historical documents, maps, photographic material, genealogical material, rare books and manuscripts, microfilm, and various forms of multimedia.

Upon acquisition of any and all materials, every item must endure a meticulous processing stage.  Due to the complex nature of archival materials, processing can vary from item to item.  Processing commonly includes the initial cleaning, deep cleaning if needed, repair, chemical treatment, storage and cataloging of materials.  The storage of archival materials must follow strict guidelines.  These guidelines are set in place to adhere to preservation standards.  Standardized techniques and procedures for storage and exhibition have been developed by the archive's staff to assist in the preservation and protection.  All items are stored within the CHC's specially designed secure storage.  The secure storage systematically monitors and regulates all environmental conditions within it's parameters.

The archives and it's long-term impacts were realized through the combined efforts of Tribal administration, CHC staff, and Tribal members.  Through these efforts the Family Research Center was set in stone.  The Family Research Center was specifically created for Tribal members.  With the Citizen Potawatomi Nation so deeply rooted in family ties, genealogical research is at the forefront of activities provided at the CHC.  Due to the delicate nature of the archival collection, limiting the amount of exposure to these materials is crucial to their longevity.  Copies of all originals have been made and are accessible to researchers.  Currently in design is a digital database that will have controlled accessibility through an aesthetic and user friendly web-based format.  This searchable database will ultimately extract information from the digital database and catalog created by the archive's staff and will make it available for research.  The contents of the database will be accessible to visitors of the CHC's Family Research Center as well as via the Internet through the Citizen Potawatomi Nation's website.  A target completion date for the digital database has yet to be set, but updates will be posted as the project progresses.

Many cultures have lost their cultural and historical treasures due to the inability and lack of resources to safely preserve and protect those treasures.  The archives is working diligently to not only protect and preserve those treasures, but spark a renewed interest in the development of cultural awareness among Tribal members and all interested learners through their research accessibility.  From this awareness, Tribal members and others will have the opportunity to pass on their historical ties and cultural traditions to future generations, preserving not only the heritage of the Citizen Potawatomi people, but native America.

The archives are open to all researchers Tuesday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.  Appointments are not necessary.  For specific research needs, please call R. Blake Norton, Archivist/Librarian.

CURRENT STAFF: