Joseph Medicine Crow

Obama Presidential Center Honoree

Headshot of Joseph Medicine Crow

Space Name: Joseph Medicine Crow Exhibition Gallery, We the People | Museum | Level 5

Joseph Medicine Crow was a World War II veteran, historian, and the last traditional war chief of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe. The first of his people to earn a Master’s degree, he served in the Army’s 103rd Infantry Division. As a tribal historian and author, he worked tirelessly to preserve native history, demonstrating that we can find great strength in honoring where we come from.

With gratitude to Eric and Wendy Schmidt

“ Joseph Medicine Crow was one of the rare Americans who not only made history as a decorated World War II veteran, but also helped preserve history by recording his tribe's firsthand stories, passed down through oral tradition. We know from our philanthropic work how essential it is for Indigenous people and for all Americans to build an accurate narrative of Native America past and present, and we hope that this gallery helps keep in mind the importance of writing history and creating the future together.”

–Eric and Wendy Schmidt

Legacy on Campus

  • We The People

    We The People, named in honor of Joseph Medicine Crow, is an interactive gallery that invites visitors to examine the role we all play in building a more perfect union, as they hear from leaders and everyday people across the globe who have driven lasting change through immersive exhibits such as Innovating for Change and A More Inclusive America.

  • Toward a More Perfect Union

    Delve into iconic historical moments that helped shape the lives and values of President and Mrs. Obama, including the advocacy of leaders such Joseph Medicine Crow. 

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The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

John Lewis

Meet More Honorees

Through the honoree naming initiative at the Obama Presidential Center, we are partnering with our donors to celebrate a part of the history in which the Obama story is so deeply rooted by associating a named space with a hero, moment, or person "on whose shoulders we stand"—an honoree who made the Obamas’ story possible.

Meet More Honorees