Isidore Umscheid

The Indian Center's museum and craft programs particularly interest Isidore "Issy" Umscheid who, for twenty-seven years, has been an active lobbyist and collector himself. Indian beadwork, jewelry, pottery, and rugs all fascinate him - and he sees the museum and craft programs as the "driving force" to the Center's cultural awareness goals/

His craft talents have been developed over years of study and work; he's also authored several magazine articles on Indian items. The Center, he feels, provides an opportunity for young people to develop their own talents in Indian crafts. "They've been told to be proud of their heritage," he says about the youth, "and they are. But until now, there hasn't been a place in the area to see what the heritage really was."