Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania

Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania

Who We Are:

ABOUT THE LENAPE NATION OF PENNSYLVANIA

The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of Lenape history and culture. Created to join together the members of the Lenape Nation and anyone else interested in continuing the development of the language and culture of the Lenape people, the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania is active in the revival of tradition and community. We encourage partnerships among people and organizations in order to foster cultural, historical, and environmental education and preservation.

WHO ARE THE LENAPE?

The Lenape people are the original inhabitants of Delaware, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Southern New York. For over 10,000 years they have been the caretakers of these lands and of The River of Human Beings, more commonly known as the Delaware River. The Lenape were the first tribe to sign a treaty with the United States and the first tribe to have land set aside for them in New Jersey.

Over a period of 250 years, many Lenape people were removed and dispersed throughout the country. Some took refuge with other tribes. A large number of Lenape families remained in the homelands and continue the traditions of their ancestors up to our present day. Today the Lenape people from all over Turtle Island (North America) are revitalizing their communities.

Many place names in Pennsylvania are derived from the Lenape Language, such as Manyunk, Conshohocken, and Neshaminy...to mention only a few. In the city of Philadelphia stands a statue of Chief Tamanend, a revered leader among the Lenape, who signed many treaties with William
Penn. The history of the Lenape is truly the history of Pennsylvania.

FULFILLING A PROPHESY:

THE PAST AND PRESENT OF THE LENAPE IN PENNSYLVANIA

Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape in Pennsylvania is a fully collaborative exhibition, organized by the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Museum and the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. The exhibition draws from oral histories, family heirlooms, and photographs, as well as archaeology, historical and ethnographic research. Following the exhibit's long run at the Penn Museum, it is now housed at our Cultural Center and Trading Post in Easton, PA. For more information about the Lenape people, click here to visit our exhibit page, or come tour the exhibit in person at our Cultural Center.