ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Corning Museum of Glass Opens Haudenosaunee Beadwork Gallery

exhibition · 2026-05-21

In Corning, NY, the Corning Museum of Glass is set to unveil a permanent exhibition titled "Glass in the Hodi:nohšö:nih (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy," which will highlight 400 years of Seneca glass bead artistry. This gallery will launch in spring 2026, coinciding with both the museum's 75th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Curated by Randee Spruce (Seneca, Heron Clan) in collaboration with the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, the exhibit will feature 15 historical glass bead pieces, including a rare flat purse from the 19th century. Additionally, it will showcase newly commissioned moccasins by Samantha Jacobs (Seneca, Turtle Clan), marking the first contemporary Native American beadwork in the museum. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, established around 1142, has had a significant impact on the U.S. Constitution, a fact acknowledged by the Senate in 1987.

Key facts

  • Permanent gallery installation at Corning Museum of Glass titled 'Glass in the Hodi:nohšö:nih (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy'
  • Explores 400-year history of glass beadwork in Seneca culture
  • Opened spring 2026, coinciding with museum's 75th anniversary and US 250th anniversary
  • Curated by Randee Spruce (Seneca, Heron Clan) in collaboration with Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center
  • Features 15 historical glass bead objects on long-term loan from Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center
  • Includes rare 19th-century flat purse from Allegheny Seneca
  • Concludes with commissioned moccasins by Samantha Jacobs (Seneca, Turtle Clan), first contemporary Native American beadwork in museum's collection
  • Haudenosaunee Confederacy dates to around 1142, oldest continuous participatory democracy
  • US Senate recognized Haudenosaunee influence on Constitution in 1987 resolution
  • Glass trade beads introduced by European settlers in 1600s from Italy to Mohawks

Entities

Artists

  • Randee Spruce
  • Samantha Jacobs

Institutions

  • Corning Museum of Glass
  • Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center
  • Seneca Nation of Indians
  • Institute of Natural Law
  • Iroquois Museum
  • Rockwell Museum
  • Forbes

Locations

  • Corning
  • New York
  • United States
  • Salamanca
  • Buffalo
  • Albany
  • Syracuse
  • Finger Lakes
  • Niagara Falls
  • Italy

Sources