Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

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 web site. 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

Thurs. - Sat. Trail of Tears Drama - June 22 - Aug. 31, Thurs. - Sat., 8 p.m. at the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater. A re-scripted performance of the timeless drama about the Cherokees removal from their aboriginal homeland in the southeast and the emotional period of adjustment in the new territory. The characters of famous Oklahomans Will Rogers and Sequoyah along with animal characters narrate this famous Cherokee story with wit and compassion. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children and students. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 6 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Stone Carving with Harry Oosahwee - Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 6 Cherokee Saturday - Members 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.

July 13 Cherokee games - marble shoot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Marbles is an ancient game played by almost all native people of the Southeast. A cross between croquet, lawn bowling, and golf, many players still use their own sandstone marbles. Great skill and strategy is used to knock ones opponent off the course, in order to make the final hole. The marble grounds are located near the front entrance gate on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center. Registration is free and prize money will be awarded. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 13 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Basketry with Kathryn Kelley - Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 13 Indian Arts Appraisal Day - Noon to 5 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. Amateur Native American art collectors are invited to bring up to three items for an appraisal. There will be experts on hand to give appraisals and to identify pieces. No funerary objects will be allowed. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 20 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Flint Knapping with Ross Conrad - Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 27 Moccasin making & Ornamental Beadwork Class with Mary Horsechief - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. This class is $40 and includes all supplies and lunch. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 27 Beading class with Sandra Pallie - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee National Museum Atrium. Students of this class will learn the basic techniques in creating eastern woodland beading. The cost for this class is $40 which includes all supplies and lunch. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

July 27 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase - Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call -918-456-6007.