JUNE 15, 1899

MOHEGAN MEDICINE WOMAN AUTHOR DR. GLADYS TANTAQUIDGEON BORN

Gladys, born in Uncasville, Connecticut (CT), was a descendant of the 1^st Mohegan Sachem, Uncas. Starting at age 5, Tantaquidgeon learned about tribal spirituality & herbal medicine. After studying anthropology at University (Univ.) of Pennsylvania, she did field work with northwestern tribes. Gladys worked in the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Indian Arts & Crafts Board (1934-47). From 1947-98, she was curator at Tantaquidgeon Indian Museum which she co-founded in 1931. Gladys also served on the Tribal Council and as librarian at Niantic Women’s Prison. She authored several books, including Folk Medicine of the Delaware and Related Algonkian Indians. Awards include: “Tiffany Jewel,” Univ. of CT; Harriet Tubman Award, National Organization of Women; induction, CT Women’s Hall of Fame; and honorary doctorates. Her records of Mohegan vital statistics were key to the tribe receiving Federal Recognition in 1994. She died in Uncasville, November 1, 2005.

Sources:

“Gladys Tantaquidgeon,” Fembio.  Retrieved 3/8/2023, Gladys Tantaquidgeon (fembio.org)

“Gladys Tantaquidgeon,” Smithsonian American Women's History.  Retrieved 3/8/2023, Gladys Tantaquidgeon | Smithsonian American Women's History (si.edu) 

“Medicine Woman Gladys Tantaquidgeon and Mohegan Cultural Renewal,” Connecticut History, a CTHumanities Project  Retrieved 3/8/2023, Medicine Woman Gladys Tantaquidgeon and Mohegan Cultural Renewal - Connecticut History | a CTHumanities Project

“Gladys Tantaquidgeon,” CT Women’s Hall of Fame.  Retrieved 3/8/2023, Gladys Tantaquidgeon — CT Women’s Hall of Fame (cwhf.org)

Photo:  Author unknown, circa 1922.  Tantaquidgeon and Nanticoke leaders lobbying at the Delaware State Capitol. Likely Public Domain, alternatively Fair Use. Source: Gladys Tantaquidgeon | Smithsonian American Women's History (si.edu)