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The Cherokee Heritage Center - The mission of the Cherokee Heritage Center is to promote and preserve Cherokee History and Culture. The vision for the Cherokee Heritage Center is to become the best and most visited tribally specific educational center in the world. The Cherokee Heritage Center is located on 44 heavily wooded acres, three miles south of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, just off Highway 62 on Willis Road. The Center lies tucked away in the beautiful Oklahoma foothills of the Ozark Mountains. All attractions are wheelchair accessible.

The Cherokee National Museum - The National Park Service named the Cherokee Heritage Center the terminus point of the Trail of Tears. Consequently, the Cherokee National Museum is host to an exhibit that examines this pivotal period in Cherokee--and American--history. In addition to this exhibit, the Museum also houses historically and culturally significant artifacts and artwork. Handcrafted Cherokee wares, prints and other goods are available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

The Cherokee National Archives - These ever- increasing historical records document much of the Nation's history. The comprehensive collection includes Cherokee historical records, photographs, and genealogical materials. The Genealogy Center provides records and research assistance for those tracing their Cherokee heritage.

Trail of Tears Exhibit - Working in conjunction with the National Parks Service, the Cherokee National Museum is proud to permanently house this exhibit, which explores the forced removal of our ancestors from their indigenous territory (SE United States) to "Indian Territory" (present day Oklahoma). Cherokee National Museum Cherokee Heritage Center HWY 62 S. of Tahlequah East on Willis Rd. For information call, 918-456-6007 or visit the website. Hours Mon.- Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. This exhibit is made possible in part by the National Endowment for Humanities.

Ancient Village - An authentic replica of a Cherokee village as it would have existed before European contact. Guided tours every half hour. Witness Cherokee craftspeople reenact the daily activities of our Cherokee ancestors. Demonstrations include ancient cultural practices such as flint knapping, basketry, blowguns, stickball, and Cherokee Marble games. Cherokee Heritage Center HWY 62 S. of Tahlequah East on Willis Rd

Adams Corner Rural Village - This quaint area is a reconstruction of a typical 1890s rural Cherokee community. Souvenirs of this time period are available in the General Store. Heritage Farms is also connected with Adams Corner, and is home to many animals typical of this period. Visitors will see animals whose ancestors also traveled on the Trail of Tears with the Cherokee. Cherokee Heritage Center HWY 62 S. of Tahlequah East on Willis Rd

Exhibits

Sam Watts-Kidd Retrospective Exhibit - Original works by award-winning Cherokee Artist, Sam Watts-Kidd. Mediums vary from pencil to mixed media with the subject matter ranging from Southeastern motifs to various Native American tribes. February - April 30

Sequoyah Exhibit - The exhibit will examine the life and career of this influential Cherokee and will document his contributions to the Cherokee people. Particular attention will be paid as to how little we really know about this great man and the mysteries surrounding him. February - April 30

Cherokee Clans Exhibit - The exhibit will include works by Cherokee Artist, Sam Watts-Kidd and will feature seven murals, each depicting one of the seven clans. Various stories and history of the individual clans will be presented on text panels. February - April 30

April 6 - Cherokee Saturday - Members of all federally recognized Cherokee tribes and a guest are admitted free to the museum and villages.

April 6 - Beadwork Class 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. $15 per class which includes all materials and supplies or $25 for two classes, which is part of a series of beadwork and basketry classes including April 13, May 11 and 25 and June 8 and 15. Participants will make assorted beadwork items using the peyote stitch. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

April 13 - Basketry Class 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. $15 per class which includes all materials and supplies or $25 for two classes, which is part of a series of beadwork and basketry classes including, May 11 and 25, and June 8 and 15. Participants will make traditional Cherokee double wall baskets.

April 14 - Tahlequah Remembered Lecture Series"Mainstreet" - Local businessman Todd Mutzig will discuss the historic storefronts along one of the oldest main streets in Oklahoma.

April 17,18 & 19 - Pan American Indian Humanities Council ConferenceThe annual board meeting of heads of indigenous humanities courses from the USA, Canada, and Mexico

April 20 - Basketry Class - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Students will learn how to make traditional Cherokee double wall baskets by a Cherokee basketmaker. Gathering of dyes and materials will be shown. Fee is $30 which includes lunch and all supplies.

April 25 - 26 - Indian Territory Dayswill immerse visitors in Cherokee history and culture. The Cherokee Heritage Center becomes a living classroom! Demonstrations include basketry, pottery, blow guns, flint knapping, and stick ball. Students will be entertained by a variety of storytellers and historians will be on hand to interview.

April 27 - 28 - Family Cultural Campout Youth and Elders alike will come together in one village to learn, share, and experience the arts of our Cherokee ancestors. Spend two days and overnight in the Ancient Village with Cherokee storytellers, artists, demonstrators, and dancers. Don't let your family miss out on this opportunity to experience and take home a part of Cherokee culture. Discover the hands-on skills of blowgun making, basket weaving, clay beads, or make your own pair of miniature ball sticks. At $150 per person, meals, lodging, art materials, games and all events are included. Campers must supply their own bedding. All traditional art items are make and take items.