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Landscape by Robert S. Duncan, 1863.

Landscape by Robert S. Duncan, 1863. Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Land Acknowledgment

Carroll Park stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the indigenous tribes who originally inhabited this land. The Piscataway and Susquehannock were the first stewards of this territory. Their connection to this land is as vital and dynamic as the Chesapeake Bay, reminding us that history shapes our identity and our future.

Brutal government policies of unfair treaties, forced removal, and cultural assimilation displaced indigenous peoples from this land. Many of the place names we use today, including Chesapeake, Patapsco, and Potomac come from their languages and are vibrant reminders of their having been here first.

The museum acknowledges and honors the resilience and spirit of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples, whose heritage enriches and informs our narrative. We hope our recognition of their ancestral land serves as a bridge between the past and present and helps build understanding and respect for all cultures who have left their imprint on this historic park.