The Silver City Museum will host Apache historian Michael Darrow on Thursday January 10 at noon at the Museum’s Annex at 302 West Broadway. Darrow will delve into the history and contemporary life of the tribe which included as its member the famous healer and activist Geronimo. The Fort Sill Apache are direct descendants of the band that was removed from Grant County and surrounding areas during the notorious Indian Wars of the late 19th century. The presentation entitled “The Fort Sill Apache Story” is free to the public and attendees are welcomed to bring a lunch. Donations are accepted to help support the museum.
The present day Fort Sill Apache Tribe traces its ancestry directly to the Chiricahua and Warm Springs Apaches who lived in southwestern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico. They were removed from their original homeland and held captive by the United States from 1886–1914. Fort Sill Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache Tribal members are descended from 81 former Prisoners of War who received land allotments in Oklahoma after their release.
The tribe’s territory now includes trust lands in southwestern Oklahoma and southeastern Arizona. Its federally recognized reservation is located at Akela, New Mexico in the heart of its historic aboriginal territory.
Michael Darrow, Fort Sill Apache Tribal Historian since 1986 has consulted on and appeared in several documentaries and movies related to the tribe’s history including the TV series The Real West and the acclaimed Public TV series The American Experience. Mr. Darrow attended the University of Oklahoma and later the Institute of American Indian Arts, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mr. Darrow has a background in botany and in Museum Studies which has been useful in working with the Fort Sill Apache Cultural program and with the federally mandated repatriation of Native American grave, religious and cultural items from various museum collections back to present day descendants.
He is the grandson of Sam and Blossom Haozous who were among the Apaches held as prisoners of war at Fort Sill and were parents of the world famous artist Allan Houser. He is also a great-great grandson of Chief Mangas Coloradas. Michael Darrow also serves on the board of the Fort Sill Apache Economic Development Authority, and works with the tribal cultural program. Michael Darrow has maintained an interest in his tribal heritage and learned from his Apache family about the tribe and culture including beadwork, Apache songs and many other items. He has also researched writings on tribal history and anthropology.
The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. Admission is free; a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum’s education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 597-0222, education@silvercitymuseum.org , or visit the museum's website here.