Cultural Connections: Mesa Historical Museum O'odham- Piipaash Exhibit

Susan Ricci managed a tribal history museum in her home state of South Dakota, so it was natural for her to want to create an exhibit for the O’odham-Piipaash people when she became executive director of the Mesa Historical Museum three years ago.

“When I got here, I felt there was a huge component missing—there was nothing about our O’odham-Piipaash neighbors. I wanted to change that,” said Susan. “So many people don’t even realize that Pima and Maricopa are not the real names of the people.

I wanted to tell the story from their perspective.”

Susan did some research and was ready to reach out to the community, but the pandemic put the project on the back burner. As things began to open up again in early 2022, Susan reached out to SRPMIC Cultural Resources Director Kelly Washington.

“I was thrilled with the idea. I had a connection to the building the museum is in—I went to school at the old Lehi elementary school until second grade,” said Kelly. “I wanted to make

sure our story was told accurately. Often the focus is on our ancestors, the Hohokam, and their supposed disappearance around 1450. Then they skip about 400 years of O’odham-Piipaash history until the arrival of American settlers. Obviously, we didn’t disappear. We were here after 1450—we were here when the Spaniards arrived around 1700, here when the first Americans arrived in the 1800s and we are still here today. Our continuity in this place is something that needs to be recognized and often isn’t.”

Working together, the exhibit began to take shape. Susan created a dedicated space while Kelly gathered information, photos and artifacts. He also developed the narrative.

“It was truly a collaborative effort and shows how one person can make a difference,” said Kelly. “Over the years, we’ve worked with other museums sporadically. Good collaboration usually starts with one person that values our input and is willing to reach out to us.”

Susan credits Kelly.

“It was his knowledge, creativity and willingness to help. He truly did all the work and I am proud that our museum shares the origin story of our native neighbors from their perspective,” said Susan. “It is one of the things I am most proud of doing in my time here.”

The O’odham & Piipaash exhibit opened in October with an arts and craft festival featuring the works of community artisans. There were also demonstrations on traditional foods and crafts.

Susan already has plans to expand the exhibit in 2023, creating a room to show films about O’odham and Piipaash culture or created by community filmmakers. She also plans to have regular arts and crafts fairs in the spring and fall for community artists to demonstrate their skills and sell their items.

The Mesa Historical Museum is located at 2345 N. Horne Rd. in Mesa and is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm

Tribal members may visit for free. Call 480.835.2286 to learn more.