Bureau of American Ethnology

The Bureau of American Ethnology was a U.S. government agency established in 1879 to study and document the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of Indigenous peoples in North America. Its goal was to preserve knowledge about Native American societies through research, museums, and publications. Over time, it contributed significantly to anthropology by collecting artifacts, conducting fieldwork, and sharing insights about Indigenous history and ways of life. The bureau operated until 1969, when its functions were absorbed into the Smithsonian Institution, helping ensure the documentation and understanding of Native American cultures for future generations.