#United States #Carlisle #Dickinson College #Jim Thorpe Center #Native Peoples

Dickinson College Unveils Jim Thorpe Center

On October 29, 2025, Dickinson College achieved a significant milestone by dedicating the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples, thanks to a generous $20 million donation from alumnus Samuel G. Rose. This center stands near the historical site of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, the first federal off-reservation boarding school designed for the forced assimilation of Indigenous children. This act of dedication signifies not only a remembrance of the past but a commitment to future generations of Native Peoples.

A Place of Healing and Reclamation

The Jim Thorpe Center serves as a powerful symbol of healing and reclamation for Indigenous communities. Amanda Cheromiah, executive director of the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples and a descendant of six students from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, expressed the center as a testament to the resilience and thriving existence of Native cultures. “Just a few miles from the former grounds of a place that sought to erase our cultures and identities, the new space will stand as a testament to our strength and thriving presence,” she stated.

Celebrating Native Art and Culture

The Jim Thorpe Center will include the Samuel G. Rose '58 Art Gallery, which will celebrate Indigenous art and culture. This gallery is positioned to be a significant addition to Dickinson College's art collection and academic programs, representing the largest investment the college has made in the arts. The vision behind the gallery is to honor and uplift Indigenous voices and artists, framing a narrative that celebrates their contributions to art and culture.

Jim Thorpe, a celebrated athlete and a member of the Sac and Fox and Potawatomi Nations, continues to inspire through his legacy. He excelled in various sports, but more importantly, he dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and advancement of Native Peoples. This center serves as a tribute to Thorpe's contributions and the larger narrative of Indigenous identity and culture.

Addressing Historical Injustices

Dickinson College has taken significant steps in acknowledging its historical ties to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which operated from 1879 until 1918. The college now hosts the world’s most comprehensive digital archive of materials related to the school. The new center, along with the establishment of the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples in 2023, supports continued education and advocacy regarding Indigenous rights and history.

The project’s design is spearheaded by prominent architects Richard Olaya of O Z Collaborative and Johnpaul Jones of Jones + Jones. Jones, a distinguished Native American architect, has previously contributed to the design of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, emphasizing the importance of Native perspectives in architecture and cultural representation.

Philanthropic Impact

Samuel G. Rose's $20 million gift is part of a larger commitment to Dickinson College, which totals over $100 million. His contributions have significantly enhanced educational opportunities, providing scholarships and supporting various campus initiatives. His vision for the Jim Thorpe Center aligns with a broader mission to foster a more inclusive understanding of history among students, faculty, and the wider community.

In conclusion, the dedication of the Jim Thorpe Center marks a notable event in the reconciliation journey for Native communities. It stands as a beacon for the futures of Native Peoples, highlighting the power of healing through education and art. As Dickinson College moves forward, it reflects a renewed commitment to inclusion, respect, and reverence for Indigenous history and culture.