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 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

June 1 David Fitzgerald Reception 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 1 - Sept. 30 David Fitzgerald Cherokee Photograph Exhibit - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Cherokee National Museum. The exhibit honors the Cherokee people through photographic images by famed Oklahoma photographer David Fitzgerald. Many of the images included in this exhibit will be from the Smithsonian exhibit honoring the Cherokee people, which opened in 2001, and from his recently published book. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 1 - Sept. 30 Cherokee Nation Today Exhibit - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Cherokee National Museum. The progress and achievements of the Cherokee Nation will be reflected as this exhibit explores how the Cherokee Nation of today has evolved into a dynamic and thriving enterprise that operates an array of social and economic programs to benefit this country's largest tribe. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 1 - Sept. 30 Cherokees and their Communities Exhibit - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Cherokee National Museum. Lifestyles within selected Cherokee communities will be shown, along with the arts and crafts of community members. The exhibit is designed to give honor to the community's accomplishments and goals. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

June 1 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Pottery with Jane Osti - 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.

June 1 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.

June 8 Cherokee Chase - This is a USA Track & Field sanctioned course and certified race. The race lengths are 2 km, 5 km and 10 km. There will be an awards ceremony after the race. Registration is at 6:30 a.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Races begin at 8:00 a.m. For registration forms and information, call 918-456-6007.

June 8 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.

June 8 Beadwork Class -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. The class is $15 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. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 15 Basketry Class 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. The class is $15 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. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 15 Classic Car Show - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Car show categories are: Original, Modified, Unfinished, people's Choice, Low Rider and Best of Show. Entry fee is $15 and the first 50 entries will receive a Dash Plaque. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 15 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Silversmith Joe Chunestudy -- 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.

June 22 Cherokee Games - Cornstalk Shoot - Cherokee Heritage Center grounds, 9 to 11 a.m. The corn stalk shot goes back to ancient times when Cherokee hunters and warriors would compete for accuracy with their bow and arrow. Arrows are shot through a large bank of dried cornstalks in order to keep the tips of their arrows from breaking. Today, only handmade bows are allowed in a cornstalk shoot. Prize money will be awarded. Registration is free. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 22 Trail of Tears Drama - June 22 - August 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.

June 24-28 Cultural Day Camp - 8 a.m. to noon on the Cherokee Heritage Center grounds. Students 8 to 12 years of age are welcome. Students will learn about traditional Cherokee games, arts and storytelling. Cost is $30 per child and includes all supplies, daily snack and last day meal. For more information, call 918-456-6007.

June 29 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Basketry with Lena Blackbird and Emma VanBuskirk -- 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.

June 29 Cherokee Cooking/Herbs Class - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Students will learn traditional Cherokee recipes and edible plant gathering. The $30 fee includes all supplies. For more information, call 918-456-6007.