Colonial Institute

The famous Dakota activist, Dr. Charles Eastman, lectured here in March 1928. Born in Minnesota in 1858, Eastman graduated from Dartmouth College in 1887, before training to be a physician at Boston University. His medical practice took him to the Pine Ridge and Crow Creek Reservations in South Dakota, where he helped care for those who survived the Wounded Knee massacre. By the early 20th century, he was also a prolific author and speaker on Dakota history and American Indian affairs. His visit to Bristol was part of a two month tour to promote friendship between Great Britain and America on behalf of the philanthropic Brooks-Bryce Foundation. He gave a special lecture on Indian culture on behalf of the Royal Colonial Institute here and it's likely that he dressed in his traditional clothing to do so. He was about 70 years old at the time.

Want to learn more about the life of Charles Eastman, also known as Ohiyesa? Watch the video for a documentary trailer about his life and legacy.