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Cherokee Nation, OK Principal Chief Chad Smith (cutting ribbon) and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, NC Principal Chief Leon Jones (holding ribbon) during the ribbon cutting ceremonies at the Grand Opening of the Vann House Visitors' Center in Spring Place, Georgia.

SPRING PLACE, GEORGIA - Leon Jones, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees, and Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, recently cut the ribbon to officially open the Robert E. Chambers interpretive center at the Chief Vann House Historic Site in Spring Place, Georgia.

"It was the Vann House's greatest honor to host both Chiefs," said Jeff Stancil, Vann House manager. "It was certainly our pleasure, and great fortune, to have provided them with the opportunity to visit together."

Both Chiefs served as keynote speakers and jointly cut the ribbon, which officially opened the new visitor's center. Chief Smith focused his remarks on the need to educate the current and future generations on the true history of the Cherokee people. He stated that education was necessary to prevent the racial stereotypes that are too often present in modern society. Chief Jones also stressed how historic education is an important part of the survival of Cherokee language and culture. Both Chiefs reiterated the need to not portray the Cherokee as helpless victims of hopeless circumstances. Both spoke of the proud legacy of a strong people who survive and prosper in spite of the Trail of Tears.

Other dignitaries on hand for the opening were Tribal Council representatives of the Cherokee Nation & the Eastern Band, the Vann family, the Robert E. Chambers family, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Due to busy schedules in both North Carolina and Oklahoma, it is often difficult for Chiefs Smith and Jones to attend the same events. Both stated their appreciation of being able to be together on this historic occasion.

After the opening, a more intimate gathering memorialized the Springplace Mission burial site. This cemetery, known as a "God's Acre" in the Moravian Church, was rededicated after it had been all but lost for nearly a century. Among the historic figures buried there are Principal Chief Charles R. Hicks, Moravian missionary Anna R. Gambold, and Margaret "Peggy" Vann Crutchfield. This ceremony concluded with a reading of the names of the nine known burials and the singing of Amazing Grace in Cherokee by the Young Voices (Eastern Band) accompanied by flutist Tommy Wildcat, Cherokee Nation tribal member.

Wealthy Cherokee plantation owner James Vann ordered the construction the Chief Vann House in 1804. Chief Joseph Vann inherited the famous home after the death of his father James in 1809. The Chief Vann House is one of Georgia's most original and best-preserved Cherokee Indian homes.

The new interpretive center highlights the lives of Chiefs James and Joseph Vann while also featuring the history of the Cherokee Nation over the past 200 years. "God's Acre" at Springplace can be visited during daylight hours and is just 300 yards east of the Chief Vann House. The Chief Vann House Historic Site is located on the corner of Georgia hwy 52A and Georgia Hwy 225 in Spring Place, Georgia.

For more information call 706-695-2598 or visit the official Chief Vann House web site.