For decades the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe has been working as stewards to protect their ancestral heritage sites throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. What role has archeology and anthropology played in revealing the 10,000 year history of Santa Clara County and the people indigenous to it, the ancestors of the Muwekma Ohlone? Hear from Monica V. Arellano, Vice Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council and Most Likely Descendent Representative, and Alan Leventhal, Lecturer Emeritus of Anthropology at SJSU and Muwekma Tribal Archeologist, providing pre-contact and historical context on the history and heritage of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. Scholarly collaborations with the faculty and students from the Department of Anthropology at San Jose State University (SJSU) will be presented by Roberto Gonzalez, Chair of the Department of Anthropology, and Jan English-Lueck, Professor of Anthropology, and their students, as they discuss meaningful relationships and how the practice of anthropology and archeology has contributed to the education of the general public by supporting the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe in the development of the exhibition Reclamation.

From natural to man-made frontiers, join us as we explore connections between land and art, from the backroads of Silicon Valley to the stars above. We will begin with an artist talk with Russell Crotty in our main gallery, followed by a panel discussion with Tracy Fish, Dr. Kerry Rohrmeier + Dr. Jan English-Lueck examining the reach of Silicon Valley into the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, and ending with a chance to mingle and observe the full moon through telescopes on our patio.

Curious about how exhibitions come together? Wondering how multiple partners can come together to accomplish a common vision? Learn about the collaboration and partnership between NUMU staff, the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council, San José State University anthropology professors and graduate students, and artists in telling the story of the Tribe’s history and heritage.

Performing in character as the “Curator of the Museum of Historical Makeovers,” Kathy Aoki will give a humorous lecture on “Koons Ruins,” the estate of imagined art collector Dorothea Vadas James who sets out to destroy the works of world-famous artist Jeff Koons. Known for her fictitious academic excellence, Aoki will reveal the historical underpinnings of the estate, the twists and turns that led to collector James’ quiet fury, and the mission of the Save the Public Eye Foundation that currently manages the estate. Suspension of disbelief is highly recommended, but not required.

Come early or stay late to immerse yourself in Kathy Aoki’s exhibition Koons Ruins at the James Estate in the Mike and Alyce Parsons Gallery at NUMU. This satirical, museum-style installation features prints, paintings, and a peephole diorama that tell the story of “Koons Ruins.” Koons Ruins at the James Estate is sponsored in part by the Borgenicht Foundation and Wanda Kownacki.

We invite you to join NUMU during the week of Indigenous People’s Day to learn more about the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council’s effort to regain federal recognition. Hear from Tribal Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh, Tribal Vice Chairwoman Monica Arellano, and Tribal Ethnohistorian Alan Leventhal as they discuss the tribe’s history, the decades of “politics of erasure” that have led to the present situation, where the fight for the Tribe’s reaffirmation as a federally recognized Tribe stands today, and how you can support the Muwekma Ohlone in their efforts.

NUMU will be opening two new exhibitions, one on November 4th and the other on December 9th, highlighting the history, heritage, culture, and places of significance of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council.

Join us for a rare earnest artist talk with Kathy Aoki who will share a behind the scenes look at the conceptual nature of her work and how she produces it. Kathy Aoki has created many satirical, museum-style installations on themes ranging from Hello Kitty Monument, to makeup-dominated landscapes, to pop-diva Gwen Stefani's mortuary temple. How does she create these narratives and the extremely wide-range of "artifacts" and "historical" artworks that accompany them? Find out at this artist talk with live Q&A!

NUMU is excited to partner with the Vivace Youth Chorus to bring music to the museum and Los Gatos families. This Family Musical Workshop will be led by Katherine Carmona Arbelaz and feature fun and engaging folk songs with rhythm and movement activities.

Interested in trying embroidery for the first time or brushing up on your needlework skills? Looking for a fun evening activity to do with a group of friends, coworkers or family members? Join us for Bite-Size Embroidery for Beginners. Easy and fun, you will leave with a completed embroidery and a sense of accomplishment!

Join us for a special in-person exhibition tour of The Los Gatos History Project: Uncovering Untold Stories!