The History of the Gordon W. Smith American Indian Collection

Museum executive Joel A. Bartsch holds a bachelor's in seminary studies and a master's degree in history. As the CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), Joel Bartsch manages the Gordon W. Smith American Indian Collection.

Texas native Gordon W. Smith became fascinated with Native American art and culture at a young age. As a child, he traveled to Montana where he met Blackfoot leader Two-Guns-White-Calf. This inspired him to travel throughout the country and explore Native American culture. Smith even earned an honorary membership with the Lakota Sioux tribe. Between 1925 and 1939, he collected more than 1,000 art objects. The collection included weapons, clothing, ceremonial accessories, and jewelry.

Nearly 60 years later, Smith began curating his massive collection. A year before his passing, Smith sold his collection to the HMNS. The Gordon W. Smith American Indian Collection effectively preserved the history of many Native tribes that have become lost over time. HMNS also loans portions of the collection to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.