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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 info call (918) 456-6007 or visit the website at www.CherokeeHeritage.org 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

Calendar

May 4 -26 - 31st Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and SaleEach year this show attracts some of the most outstanding artists in the nation. More than 100 artists will compete for $12,500 in prize money. Categories include pottery, basketry, beadwork, textiles, jewelry, painting, sculpture, graphics, miniatures and Trail of Tears theme. Sponsored by Bank of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Arts Council. Cherokee Heritage Center. For more information call, 918-456-6007 or visit the website.

May 4 - Cherokee SaturdayMembers of all federally recognized Cherokee tribes and a guest are admitted free to the Cherokee Heritage Center museum and villages. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 9 & 10 - 2nd Annual Turtle Island Storytelling FestivalInternational American Indian and Cherokee storytellers will be featured at four locations on Cherokee Heritage Center grounds for two days of folklore and fun. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 11 - Beadwork Class 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.$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 25, June 8 and 15. Participants will make assorted beadwork items using the peyote stitch. Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 11 - Turku - Nomads of the Silk RoadCherokee Heritage Center Tsa La Gi Amphitheater at 8 p.m. Turku is an eleven member ensemble of musicians and dancers who recreate exotic rhythms of the cultures of Central Asia's Silk Road from Turkey to Afghanistan. This program is ideal for family audiences, with colorful costumes and tapestry. Turku's tapestry includes Turkish, Persian, Uzbek, Azeri, Kurdish, Turcoman, and Romany cultures. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 18 - Cherokee Spring Gospel Sing and free hog fryfeaturing singing in Cherokee and English, quartets, groups, and choirs. On the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center at the columns, 4 - 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and come and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor entertainment. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 18 - Stickball Making ClassStudents will learn the art of making a pair of stickball sticks. The game of stickball is still played by most woodland tribes, including the Cherokee. Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. $40 fee includes all supplies and lunch.

May 18 - Cherokee Games - Blowgun ShootCherokee Heritage Center grounds 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The blowgun shoot was used to practice accuracy in order to hunt small fast moving game. The blowgun is made from a hollowed out piece of native river cane. Darts are made from slivers of bois 'd arc wood with ball thistle down attached at the top. Prize money, free registration, open to spectators. Sponsored by Gannett Foundation.

May 25 - Basketry Class10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $ 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 June 8 and 15. Participants will make traditional Cherokee double wall baskets.

May 25 - Lakota Sioux Dance TheatreTsa La Gi Amphitheater - 8 p.m. Admission $10 Adults $5 Students Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre performs Cokata Upo! "Come to the Center," a three part, evening length work which celebrates the culture of the Lakota people, set against a backdrop of spectacular video imagery and accompanied by live traditional, sacred, and courting songs. The performance is imbued with a sense of unity, conveying the message that people, earth and spirit are one.

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.

Calendar

May 4 -26 - 31st Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and SaleEach year this show attracts some of the most outstanding artists in the nation. More than 100 artists will compete for $12,500 in prize money. Categories include pottery, basketry, beadwork, textiles, jewelry, painting, sculpture, graphics, miniatures and Trail of Tears theme. Sponsored by Bank of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Arts Council. Cherokee Heritage Center. For more information call 918-456-6007 or visit the website.

May 4 - Cherokee SaturdayMembers of all federally recognized Cherokee tribes and a guest are admitted free to the Cherokee Heritage Center museum and villages. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

May 9 & 10 - 2nd Annual Turtle Island Storytelling FestivalInternational American Indian and Cherokee storytellers will be featured at four locations on Cherokee Heritage Center grounds for two days of folklore and fun. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 11 - Beadwork Class 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.$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 25, June 8 and 15. Participants will make assorted beadwork items using the peyote stitch. Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

May 11 - Turku - Nomads of the Silk RoadCherokee Heritage Center Tsa La Gi Amphitheater at 8 p.m. Turku is an eleven member ensemble of musicians and dancers who recreate exotic rhythms of the cultures of Central Asia's Silk Road from Turkey to Afghanistan. This program is ideal for family audiences, with colorful costumes and tapestry. Turku's tapestry includes Turkish, Persian, Uzbek, Azeri, Kurdish, Turcoman, and Romany cultures. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

May 18 - Cherokee Spring Gospel Sing and free hog fryfeaturing singing in Cherokee and English, quartets, groups, and choirs. On the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center at the columns, 4 - 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and come and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor entertainment. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

May 18 - Stickball Making ClassStudents will learn the art of making a pair of stickball sticks. The game of stickball is still played by most woodland tribes, including the Cherokee. Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. $40 fee includes all supplies and lunch.

May 18 - Cherokee Games - Blowgun ShootCherokee Heritage Center grounds 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The blowgun shoot was used to practice accuracy in order to hunt small fast moving game. The blowgun is made from a hollowed out piece of native river cane. Darts are made from slivers of bois 'd arc wood with ball thistle down attached at the top. Prize money, free registration, open to spectators. Sponsored by Gannett Foundation.

May 25 - Basketry Class10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $ 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 June 8 and 15. Participants will make traditional Cherokee double wall baskets.

May 25 - Lakota Sioux Dance TheatreTsa La Gi Amphitheater - 8 p.m. Admission $10 Adults $5 Students Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre performs Cokata Upo! "Come to the Center," a three part, evening length work which celebrates the culture of the Lakota people, set against a backdrop of spectacular video imagery and accompanied by live traditional, sacred, and courting songs. The performance is imbued with a sense of unity, conveying the message that people, earth and spirit are one.