Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always had a fascination with history museums. I also had a fascination with pioneers, bonnets and covered wagons. But that’s a different story.
Every single time I visit my grandparents in Milwaukee I always make a trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Always always always. It’s my very favorite place in all of Milwaukee and probably one of my very favorite places in all of the world. Bold statement. True fact.
Naturally, when I was a child I would race around the museum spastically, pretending I was Pocahontas or something of the sort. I was that child. My poor mother, ever patient in her ways, knew exactly how to calm me down.
Let me reveal to you the little white lie. A stain in my mother’s child raising tactics for sure. Proceed at your own risk. You might never think the same about my family again.
On the third floor of the museum there is an exhibit depicting an Indian powwow. Because I was Pocahontas, I loved this exhibit very much. Very, very much. It was my favorite. My kind, sweet mother knew this and used it to her advantage.
You see, she told me when I was the young impressionable age of five years old, that one of the Indians in the exhibit was REAL. If I could spot the REAL Indian I would get a surprise.
For years (years, I tell you!) I believed with all of my heart that one of these Indians was alive.
I would stand patiently and watch for the flicker of an eyelid, some movement of fingers or toes.
When I was nine, I really thought I had solved the mystery. Surely this child was alive.
I thought she winked at me!
But alas….
When I was sixteen I finally learned the truth. I had been waiting for eleven years for my surprise. Learning the truth about the Indians was on the same line as Santa and the Easter Bunny. My heart was broken. My dream was crushed. I felt the same way I felt the year before when my boyfriend broke up with me after sixth period with a letter stuck into my locker.
I think she only finally told me when I was sixteen it was starting to get embarrassing for all parties involved. I remember vividly her telling me the truth.
You mean………………..they’re all fake?
Yes, honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied to you for so long.
….silence….
I can’t believe you made me believe one was real for over a decade. What kind of mother are you?!?!
…. me, fighting back tears…..
…..her, laughing hysterically….
Don’t ever talk to me again!!!!!
And that was that. Every year we go back and pay homage to the Indians.
I still love the museum though. And I love my mother. Since then, we’ve made up and now remain the best of friends. She knows what she did was wrong and it has had a permanent effect on my heart. Usually after our yearly trips to the museum now we go out for frozen custard.
And with that, all is well in the world again.
Until next year.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
May 7, 2010 at 1:19 pmthat story is too funny!
i miss frozen custard…they have a place here in colorado that’s a local joint, but it’s not that good. it’s probably one of my favorite treats if done right though!
Debbie
May 7, 2010 at 1:21 pmThat was awesome Jenna. You are a brilliant writer; can’t wait for your book! 🙂
gigi
May 7, 2010 at 1:22 pminteresting story.
not to be nit-picky, but its Native Americans, not Indians.
Picnics and Peonies
May 7, 2010 at 1:28 pmHaha, brilliant! I love the relationship you and your mama have! And I am very curious about this frozen custard of which you speak! I’ve never had the pleasure… might have to seek some out! Enjoy your weekend 🙂
Lauren
May 7, 2010 at 1:33 pmHaha, that’s so cute!!
And I live in Canada and have never heard of frozen custard?? Is it just, umm…frozen custard? 😛
Erica
May 7, 2010 at 1:35 pmGah! That’s my favorite part of that museum! So excited to go back again this summer! Tell you family Jonathan and Erica say hello!
Lisa
May 7, 2010 at 1:37 pmI actually work at the Milwaukee Public Museum! After reading your blog for maybe 6 months, I thought that was pretty cool to see my workplace on your page! Glad you featured it and that you love to visit it every time you come to Milwaukee.
I love Kopps custard. My husband likes Leon’s. Yum, I am getting hungry just thinking about a creamy cup of custard.
Sarah for Real
May 7, 2010 at 1:38 pmBahaha! That’s so funny.
I love historical museums too.
If you get a chance (I don’t think you have tv at home right?) watch America: The Story of Us on the History channel. Nerd Alert! Sucks you right in.
Katie S
May 7, 2010 at 1:43 pmHahahaha. My mother did a similar thing to me. True story. I know your pain all to well!
Evan Thomas
May 7, 2010 at 1:48 pmOK, you must admit it was a little funny thinking one of them was real after all that time at such an age, right? 😉
Megan
May 7, 2010 at 1:49 pmYou are just blocks down the street from me. I am also going to go out on a limb and agree with Lisa that Kopp’s has the best frozen custard!
Liz
May 7, 2010 at 1:50 pmI grew up in Milwaukee (i now live in Indianapolis), but I actually had my senior prom at the MPM… and the dinner tables were all set up around the Indian powwow! This post brought back lots of good memories!
did you push the button to make the rattlesnake rattle?? One of my favorite things in that whole place!
Ann @ Appalachian Appetites
May 7, 2010 at 1:52 pmoh my gosh…i love that story. you haven’t the greatest sense of humor!!
RhodeyGirl
May 7, 2010 at 1:52 pmLaughing. Hysterically.
I am SO pulling that one on my kids one day!
The Fit Collegiate
May 7, 2010 at 1:53 pmOoh, I was excited to see this! I’m a Milwaukee native myself and just flew home Wednesday night after my first year of college! Sorry the weather is disastrous right now…I’ve grown accustomed to 80 degree weather in Nashville.
Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle
May 7, 2010 at 1:53 pmAww haha- good story to tell at least ;).
Sandy
May 7, 2010 at 1:55 pmAnd I bet you will use the same trick on your own children because I’m sure you were fascinated with that exhibit for a lot more years that way. Just accept that it made a wonderful memory for you and you get your surprise over and over with that frozen custard. I can so hear the outrage of a sixteen year old, though. P.S. Your mother looks so young, you have good genes.
Allie
May 7, 2010 at 1:56 pmthat’s hilarious!!
i think every mom told a white lie when we were growing up. throughout elementary school, i was convinced there were spies in the lunchroom who reported to my mother if i put my lunch on the “trading table.” i believed this for far too long.
Steph-exercise physiologist and artist
May 7, 2010 at 1:59 pmOh my gosh!!! that is so funny but sad too!! I am sure your mom meant no harm but holy crap I would have cried too!! 🙂
Haha!! thanks for sharing!!
As an aside: I actually never ever believed in Santa and all my other friends did and subsequently had their hearts broken when they found out he was not real.
I was jealous that I never believed in him and therefore never had my heartbroken when I found out he wasn’t real! haha!
Katy(The Balanced Foodie)
May 7, 2010 at 2:00 pmAmazing. Seriously. Oh the things mom’s will do!
But I feel you on the history museums I LOVE history museums. Love love love history. I especially love small museums that take place in old buildings. Their is a museum in New York City in the oldest house in the city. It’s so crazy to imagine the family living there, and everything is restored.
Liz
May 7, 2010 at 2:01 pmalso… I wanted to let you know that although they aren’t ‘real’ they are modeled after real people, a girl who was in my girl scout troop was a model for one of the young girls!
Katie
May 7, 2010 at 2:06 pmgigi- Not necessarily, a lot of “Native Americans” prefer the term “Indian.”
Jenny
May 7, 2010 at 2:09 pmThe last pic is so cute! Almost like you’re back in Cali!
Ameena
May 7, 2010 at 2:09 pmSuch a cute story. I love your relationship with your mom. I hope that my 5-year-old and I get to a place like that one of these years!
Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
May 7, 2010 at 2:10 pmFrozen custard? Hel-lo!
Kellie
May 7, 2010 at 2:13 pmThat’s so funny. My grandma has a huge picture of two Indians in her house and I always thought it was my parent’s wedding picture when I was little. I think I was 12 before I realized that both of them have blonde hair and alas the Indian’s did not. Fun childhood memories.
Hailey S. (Adventures in health)
May 7, 2010 at 2:15 pmOMG frozen custard is my absolute hands down favorite dessert of all time. Oh your story reminds me of when I found out about Santa,Easter Bunny,Tooth Fairy. Don’t worry though, frozen custard fixes ALL!! -Hailey- 🙂
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
May 7, 2010 at 2:15 pm16, really? LOL! When we were on drives as kids my Mom used to say “Oh, look a sheep” and point at a cow, “Oh, look a pig” and point at a horse, etc. Thanks to See n Say I was never confused. My poor sister, however, thought sheeps were pigs, and goats were cows for years. My Mom thought it was hilarious 😉
Raya @ Raya Runs
May 7, 2010 at 2:24 pmHaha that’s hysterical! When I was 11 or 12 I was obsessed with Jonathan Taylor Thomas (JTT!). So when parents went on vacation to California (L.A.) they called me one night and told me they had run into him at the Hard Rock Cafe there. I FREAKED OUT. Then they told me they had gotten his autograph. More freaking out. I asked them if they had taken pictures but they said their camera battery had died. It never occurred to me at the time that this was weird. They brought me back the signed Hard Rock Cafe bag and I treasured it. I told and showed all my friends. I was the luckiest girl! Then about 6 months ago, I asked my mom if it had really been true. She tried to keep up the charade but eventually admitted that while they were away they had my grandma painstakingly practicing his signature, and when they came home, she forged his autograph on the Hard Rock Cafe bag. I stared at her in shock. Who knew parents were so devious? I still had the “autograph” in a box along with other treasured mementos from my childhood. I am 27. 🙂
allison @ thesundayflog
May 7, 2010 at 2:24 pmhahahahahah this was great. what a mom. dont worry. i used to wear (actually WEAR) kirsten from the american girl dolls’ outfits! in public! and i would pretend i traveled in covered wagons. ugh thinking back on it makes me shudder. love this though!
Sarah
May 7, 2010 at 2:25 pmhaha this one made me laugh! i remember when i found out santa wasn’t real…i was in 4th grade (is that old? ok maybe i was a loser…) and some girls told me he was made up. i of course thought they were lying cause my parents would never lie! i announced how ridiculous these girls were at dinner that night and it got kinda silent…then they told me and i burst out crying haha. pretty sure my younger brother knew before me…o the days of being innocent!
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
May 7, 2010 at 2:29 pmWhat a great story! Jenna, you are such a good writer…I can not wait to read your book! 🙂
melissa
May 7, 2010 at 2:33 pmJenna you’re awesome. Just awesome.
Heba
May 7, 2010 at 2:38 pmWhat a cute story! 😉 I love that you really believed they were real for so long…
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl
May 7, 2010 at 2:39 pmI loved every word and photo in this post. Just total awesomeness!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 😀
Kim
May 7, 2010 at 2:39 pmI would have never guessed that was where you were going. I haven’t been to the museum in a couple of years but I used to go all the time as I worked at the courthouse which is connected. Local American Indians, including a former Milwaukee County judge, were used as models for the pow-wow. Opps Liz posted while I was composing.
Leon’s has the best vanilla. I haven’t had it since moving from that side of town.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
May 7, 2010 at 2:43 pmThat is such an adorable story! I have soooo many similar, where I was really old when I found out the truth…I think I’m too gullible!
Kristina
May 7, 2010 at 2:43 pmHILL-AIR-E-US! That was too fun-nay!! The things our parents convince us of when we’re young and impressionable. Luckily I run for therapy. Otherwise, they’d have an expensive therapy bill that I’d have no problem forwarding them. 😉
valen
May 7, 2010 at 2:46 pmThank you for sharing that story! I can so identify with your feelings! I was told similar things. The whole Santa thing was devastating, I was told the truth at 9 and my parents thought it was funny that I didn’t figure it out earlier. They weren’t very understanding of my broken heart. I often wonder if I will do the same thing with my own child, because these tales do bring so much joy, but is it really worth the pain? Life isn’t all roses, so…
Hilary
May 7, 2010 at 2:48 pmHaha! Lovin your mother! I guess when you are a parent you do whatever it takes. I’m not going to judge since I’m betting I’ll come up with some doozies while parenting.
Jessica
May 7, 2010 at 3:10 pmYour post made me smile- I love the way you write.
Jil
May 7, 2010 at 3:17 pmAww, haha, luckily it’s a memory to laugh about now 🙂 and a great story.
Cynthia (It All Changes)
May 7, 2010 at 3:21 pmI would totally use a trick like that but I can’t believe she kept it up for that long. But now it makes a great story between you that you will remember and cherish that museum for a lifetime.
And frozen custard makes it all better 😉
Camille
May 7, 2010 at 3:26 pmThat is the cutest post I have ever seen in my life 🙂
Tay
May 7, 2010 at 3:33 pmHilarious!!! I’m a HUGE history buff myself – American history specifically. And also really into the whole west thing (Oregon Trail….hello?!?!?). I would love history museums like this!
Kelly
May 7, 2010 at 3:33 pmYou simply must have Kopp’s frozen custard while in Milwaukee. Simply delicious. One of my good friends went to school at Marquette, and she introduced me to frozen custard while visiting her. Can’t find anything remotely like it in the Bay Area 🙁
liane
May 7, 2010 at 3:41 pmMy parents did the same thing to me as a child with our museum!
I was under the impression for years that there was one deer in the Northwest rain forest exhibit that was real, and I could NEVER figure out which deer it was, and why it didn’t want to come play with me!
Traumatizing I tell you, TRAUMATIZING.
My parents still die laughing over this….
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
May 7, 2010 at 3:44 pmRe poster #3: When I was traveling around New Mexico, the Indians there actually said they wanted to be called Indian, not Native American, because they don’t consider themselves the first “Americans.”
I love museums, too! Especially free ones.
Jessica
May 7, 2010 at 3:46 pmhilarious! 🙂 love history too!
Allison R.
May 7, 2010 at 3:51 pmSUCH a cute story! Have you ever been to the art museum there? I’m sure you have. Isn’t the architecture A-MA-ZING?! My uncle helped with parts of the design 🙂
Leah
May 7, 2010 at 4:01 pmThat is the best story ever! How smart of your mother to come up with that!
My parents had my brother and I convinced there was a leprechaun that played tricks on us. He hid shoes on top of the doors, moved our things, left us little gifts. I never understood how a little leprechaun could reach so high. I believed them for a LONG time.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
May 7, 2010 at 4:06 pmHonestly, who didn’t have an obsession with pioneers and covered wagons? What with the pure fun that was the Oregon Trail game? I think my entire elementary school years were obsessed with getting Ma to California without dying of typhoid fever or drowning in a river when our wagon fell apart.
Kelly
May 7, 2010 at 4:07 pmAwww I think that’s so cute- it’s not her fault you were SO gullible haha. 16? Thats awesome.
Ericka
May 7, 2010 at 4:08 pmI’m putting in another vote for Kopp’s frozen custard! It is the BEST. Don’t get a cone – get a dish. They put this awesome little wafer thing in the dish. Yum.
And your mom was not alone in this parenting technique! My parents used to take my brother and I to this awesome pizza place when we were little, but the downside was that it took forever for the food to come. So they would tell us there were elves lurking that would give us surprise quarters. We would sit there looking all around for these elves, and when we stared up at the ceiling, they’d slip quarters onto our placemats. That kept us believing that the elves existed – I mean, how else would the quarters have appeared?!? ha ha ha.
Daniel
May 7, 2010 at 4:09 pmWow this post brings back so many memories! I used to live in the Oak Creek and Racine areas up until 5th grade, so I think I’ve been to that museum a few times and Leon’s Custard is SOOOOO amazingly delicious! I haven’t had it in years but I remember we’d stop there (or Kopp’s! Or Omega!) and get some really nice frozen custard~
eatmovelove
May 7, 2010 at 4:11 pmGreat story – an interesting change and “history” lesson…ice cream – sounds like my kind of night…
She-Fit
May 7, 2010 at 4:56 pmLove the story with all the fun pictures!
maria @ Chasing the Now
May 7, 2010 at 5:00 pmJenna, I had to do a double take at some of the museums in Washington D.C. last summer. They do look real! 🙂 I love museums, too!
SallyH @ acountablelife.wordpress.com
May 7, 2010 at 5:08 pmMy favorite exhibit at MPM are the little ethnic houses all set up like they would have been where ever and whenever they had been abandoned by their people. I vote Leon’s custard over Kopp’s–a small with hot fudge and peanuts. For those who asked about frozen custard, it is like really rich ice cream, more egg-y and cream-y and smooth. And for anyone without knowledge of Milwaukee, Leon’s Custard that Jenna posted a pic of was one of the inspirations for Arnold’s on Happy Days.
Lisa
May 7, 2010 at 5:10 pmI grew up in the Milwaukee area and have been the the MPM many time- reading thing brought back memories! AND- My grandma used to work at that Leon’s custard stand! Way back in the day when my dad was a little kid. I’m also a fan of Kopps, and Gillies. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your time in Milwaukee!
Jessie
May 7, 2010 at 5:24 pmIt was a good day in the life of 5-year-old me: Got Mitzi, a miniature poodle puppy, and then got to go out for Chinese food. Being of pre-reading age, my mother, naturally, read me my fortune. “Your new dog, Mitzi,” she read, “will become your new best friend.” I believed that this for the next many, many years. I bragged to friends on the playground. “Yeah, fortune cookies are too real! Once, I got one that said…”
Learning the truth? Devastation.
Teresa
May 7, 2010 at 5:50 pmIt was nice to see you and your mom had a nice time together. Your mom looks great in the picture ! Jenna your post was very interesting as always !
Kristen
May 7, 2010 at 5:55 pmOh my gosh you look just like your mom! There is an exhibit in Baker City Oregon, and I too spent many a time running around thinking I was a little indian girl out with the buffalo…:)
Lisa
May 7, 2010 at 6:07 pmToo funny! Mom’s need these little tricks sometimes!
Jeni
May 7, 2010 at 6:24 pmDon’t know how long you’re staying in Milwaukee, but you should take a short drive down to my sweet home Chicago to go to…CAPITAL GRILL!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
May 7, 2010 at 6:29 pmHaha that’s hilarious! I’ve never had frozen custard before but I bet it’s amazingly good!
Mel
May 7, 2010 at 6:33 pmI’m still upset that they took the rattlesnake and the button that you could push to make it work out of that exhibit. Yes, I realize I have problems. I LOVE that museum, and will get married someday, it’s going to be the coolest wedding ever!
Em
May 7, 2010 at 6:36 pmHILARIOUS! 🙂
Thanks for the Friday evening giggle.
You’re a gem. Have a good weekend, deary!
carrie
May 7, 2010 at 7:02 pmbeing from milwaukee i have got to say i am completely spoiled by outrageously amazing custard!!!! in fact Leon’s and Kopps are known for an intense rivalry of who has the best custard in the city. i am definitely not one to discriminate against some custard goodness, but it’s does not get much better than Kopps in my book!! it is happiness on a spoon. seriously! 🙂
Lisa
May 7, 2010 at 7:17 pmI was always fascinated by explorers. Living in Oregon there’s lots of history and museums about Lewis & Clark. Very cool if you ever make it to the West coast!
Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
May 7, 2010 at 7:37 pmhahahaha I love this post! You are hysterical! And frozen custard is awesome! We have a place around here called Abbotts that has amazing chocolate almond custard and PUMPKIN (!!!!) in the fall. I haven’t see it in too many other places. I went to Milwaukee for the first time a few years ago, and love running down by the water! SO beautiful! Enjoy Mother’s day weekend!
Deirdre
May 7, 2010 at 7:39 pmWow GREAT story. Parents always do stuff like that.
Could your mom look any cuter in these pics?
Rika
May 7, 2010 at 7:39 pmlovely narrative 😀 i REALLY am enjoying your posts lately!! so entertaining
Carolyn @ lovinlosing
May 7, 2010 at 7:48 pmThere’s a ton of Kohr’s frozen custard places at the oceanfron in Virginia Beach. My husband loves it, but I’m not sure I’ve had it.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
May 7, 2010 at 7:48 pmWhat a wonderful story. 🙂
Samantha @ Food Edu
May 7, 2010 at 8:10 pmOne thing I love about reading food blogs is the introduction to things I’ve never eaten before. I have never had frozen custard, ever! Looks pretty dang good though!
ida
May 7, 2010 at 8:44 pmtoo cute! please tell me you read ‘The Indian in the cupboard’ as a kid!
Melanie
May 7, 2010 at 8:50 pmOh my gosh I have been wanting to try frozen custard my whole life. I have never seen it here in California, sadly, and I’ve lived here my whole life. All we have here is frozen yogurt. Does anyone know where I can find frozen custard or the closest thing to it in Northern California?
jenny (green food diaries)
May 7, 2010 at 8:53 pmi’ve never heard of frozen custard in my life. what does the green one taste like?
Kaye
May 7, 2010 at 8:59 pmWell….um….you let your mom know that if I ever need to appease my future children in a museum, I may choose to pull out this technique.
I’m not sayin I will…but I’m just sayin…
heather
May 7, 2010 at 8:59 pmI was just at the Milwaukee Public Museum! It’s funny–I hadn’t been there in about ten years, and I was sure that they would have made some major changes since the last time I was there. But no, the butterfly exhibit is the only new thing . . .
Rachel
May 7, 2010 at 9:10 pmLOL! I love that you kept believing it until you were in your mid-teens. I don’t judge your Mom for that kind of tactic; surely, it’s difficult handling a kid, and any little bit helps.
Alex
May 7, 2010 at 9:23 pmWait! What is that last picture from? Is your hair brown again??
alicia
May 7, 2010 at 10:09 pmYour mom rocks! I will keep that story in my back pocket and use it to my advantage with my youngest son (whenever we go out, for whatever display may be up). He’s my wild child.
Anne
May 8, 2010 at 12:56 amI love history museums! My family used to visit many museums during our summer road trips from Seattle to Huron, South Dakota. I also love, love, love frozen custard. YUM!
Anne @ Food Loving Polar Beara
May 8, 2010 at 2:03 amWhat an entertaining post!
Becky
May 8, 2010 at 4:50 amAn interesting piece of history….
Indians actually got that name when Christopher Columbus came to America. He didn’t know he was in America and he actually thought that the people there were Indians from India. So that is how they originally got the name. I read this is a childrens history book from 1950. Although I also have heard many prefer being called Indians, and I have many friends who are Indians/Native Americans who say they don’t care either way and that many times the Political Correctness is just a way to cause drama(for them anyway).
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
May 8, 2010 at 5:52 amAw…cute story! It’s amazing what parents will tell us growing up. 😉
Hannah
May 8, 2010 at 7:04 amI live in the Milwaukee area and anytime I’ve been to the public museum I think it’s crazy how realistic looking the figures are! Glad you’ve been able to enjoy the area 🙂
kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com
May 8, 2010 at 8:13 ammuseums are amazing.. im so glad with modern technology we hav ebeen able to preserve their same greatness. i hope museums continue to recieve the budgeting needed to stay running. history through artifacts and viewing is soooo important! <3
Claire
May 8, 2010 at 8:42 amLoved this story. So great….until next year.
AM
May 8, 2010 at 10:10 amBecky — Indies, not India. 🙂
Deanna
May 8, 2010 at 11:06 amSo funny!! Your mom is so cute. Do your grandparents live near a Culver’s? They have darn good custard and food. So bad for you but so delicious.
Enjoy the rest of your visit! My grandparents are not living anymore but the memories I have with them I will always cherish 🙂
Melissa @ For the Love of Health
May 8, 2010 at 12:08 pmhaha great story! I love childhood/teen memories. 🙂
Susie
May 8, 2010 at 8:39 pmI actually grew up going to the Milwaukee Public Museum on field trips. That was one of my favorite exhibits too except, unlike you, I was afraid one of them was actually real.
Also, I LOVE Kopps custard. I think it’s definitely better than Leon’s.