National Indo-American Museum

The NATIONAL INDO-AMERICAN MUSEUM builds bridges across generations and connects cultures through the diverse, colorful stories of all Indian Americans.

Events

TASTE OF INDIA

August 22, 2021

11:00 AM CDT

Bring your sense of adventure to our next Taste of India episode! Travel way beyond butter chicken and naan with “Chicago’s first dabbawala,” chef Jasmine Sheth, on a delicious culinary journey around India.

A James Beard Foundation grant winner, Jasmine’s Tasting India meals explore the many culinary regions of India through specially curated Thalis or platters. Jasmine’s passionate exploration of Indian cuisine mingles with her vibrant storytelling, highlighting the vast, diverse and underrepresented regions all around India.

Join us on August 22 at 11 AM CDT for an exclusive behind-the-scenes cooking demo and a chat with Jasmine about her journey and her remarkable venture of starting a business during the 2020 pandemic!

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Indra Nooyi at NIAM GALA 2019

NIAM’s Gandhi Peace Program

Why give to NIAM?

About Us

Successful and highly regarded programs and exhibits as well as collaborations with leading Chicago institutions have established the museum’s reputation since its incorporation as a 501(c)3 organization in 2008. In recognition of its role as the first and only institution of its kind in the country dedicated to documenting, preserving and sharing the full spectrum of the Indian American experience in all its linguistic, religious, socio-economic and regional diversity, the museum changed its name from the Indo-American Heritage Museum to the National Indo-American Museum.
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Our Values

ENGAGEMENT

Input from across generations, within and beyond the community, keeps us responsive to ideas and issues and true to our grass roots origins. We engage with the elders and with younger generations to document the past and build leadership for the future.

INCLUSIVENESS

As keeper and teller of stories of an incredibly diverse Indian American community, secularity and inclusiveness are in our very DNA and essential to our existence.

COLLABORATION

Collaboration, partnership and sharing are key elements that define us as an umbrella organization.

RELEVANCE

By relating aspects of Indian American history and heritage to contemporary issues and contemporary forms of expression, we aim to keep the stories from the community alive and especially meaningful to our younger audiences.

OUR PROGRAMS

Ethnic Dialogue

Taste of India

Sacred Sites

Cultural Outreach

We are grateful for all the good work that you have done for the Indo-American community.

Alpita

Speakers were wise, thoughtful. Please thank them for sharing with us so lovingly.
Program participant, North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, IL

As a teacher, I value the rich first-hand accounts that NIAM volunteers share with my students about daily life in contemporary India, and the past and current experiences of Indians living in Chicago. Through these stories the powerful theme of diversity comes through beautifully!
Michael Tajchman, third grade teacher, Ravenswood Elementary, Chicago Public Schools

I’m very interested in your activities and Indian Culture is my life.

Saliou Beye

Since its founding in 2008, the Museum has been committed to honoring the Indo-American experience by means of hosting numerous programs that showcase immigrant history, document achievements of Indian Americans, and enable cross-cultural exchanges. These initiatives have allowed people to delve into the rich culture of the Indian diaspora in the United States. Your unique organization has inspired a deeper appreciation for Indo-American culture, and all who contribute to the success of the Museum can take pride in that.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District of Illinois

People of Indian origin have been coming to the United States in search of education, innovation and economic uplift. They have contributed to this great country in all walks of life, while securing their family’s future…The Museum is dedicated to educating future generations about our history and heritage.

Umang Patel