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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. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Information (918)456-6007.

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 Heritage Center is located 3 miles south of Tahlequah, just off HWY 62 on Willis Rd. For information 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 hour on the 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. Heritage Farm 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

March 2003

March 1 Cherokee Saturday - Members of all federally recognized Cherokee tribes and a guest are admitted free to the Cherokee Heritage Center museum and villages. Present your CDIB card for admission. Cherokee Heritage Center hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Information (918) 456-6007.

Mar. 1 - April 26 - National Touring Exhibit from the Atlanta History Center - Native Lands: Indians and Georgia explores 500 years of Native American history in Georgia. The exhibit celebrates Georgia's original inhabitants, beginning with the Mississippian peoples and continuing with their descendents, the Creeks and the Cherokees. Long before the first European settlers came to what is now called Georgia, the Mississippian Indians developed complex societies on these lands - complete with art, music, ceremony, agriculture, architecture and trade industries. Cherokee Heritage Center hours are Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 pm. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Information (918) 456-6007.

Mar. 1 Scout Day - Boy and Girl Scouts can earn requirements to complete try-its, badges and merit badges in Indian culture and related areas in this one-day event on Cherokee Heritage Center Grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $30, which includes participation patch, tours of the Ancient Village, Cherokee National Museum admission, booths with cultural instruction, make and take crafts, and "Talking Leaves" Booklet. For more information, contact Tonia or Barbara at (918) 456-6007.

Mar. 8 Traditional Art Class: Flat Reed Basket Making - Learn how to make a Flat Reed Basket. History of basket making, gathering and preparing materials will also be covered. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Materials included in $30 fee) For more information, contact Tonia at (918) 456-6007.

Mar. 9 Local History Lecture - Sequoyah Training School - Marion Hagerstrand, the daughter of Jack Brown , former Sequoyah Training School superintendent, recalls her days at the school. 2 to 3 p.m. in the Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. Free. Information (918) 456-6007.

Mar. 29 & 30 Cherokee Genealogy Conference: Civil War and the Cherokee Nation - This conference will explore methods of using Civil War records to find more information about your ancestor. For more information, contact Tom at (918)456-6007.

April 2003

April 1 - April 26 National Touring Exhibit from the Atlanta History Center - Native Lands: Indians and Georgia explores 500 years of Native American history in Georgia. The exhibit celebrates Georgia's original inhabitants, beginning with the Mississippian peoples and continuing with their descendents, the Creeks and the Cherokees. Long before the first European settlers came to what is now called Georgia, the Mississippian Indians developed complex societies on these lands - complete with art, music, ceremony, agriculture, architecture and trade industries. Cherokee Heritage Center hours are Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 pm. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

April 5 Cherokee Saturday - Members of all federally recognized Cherokee tribes and a guest are admitted free to the Cherokee Heritage Center museum and villages. Present your CDIB card for admission. Cherokee Heritage Center hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

April 5 Beadwork Class - Instruction will focus on Native American beadworking styles and methods. Wanna Lou Barton will be the instructor (Materials included in $40 fee). For more information, contact Tonia at (918) 456-6007.

April 9, 10, 11 Indian Territory Days - Schoolchildren will learn of the Cherokee lifestyle typical to the late 1800s. Events include storytelling, hands-on activities, and demonstrations. April 9 - Grades K-3, April 10-Grades 4-8, April 11- Grades 9-12. For more information, call Tonia at (918) 456-6007. Fee- $4 per student

April 13 Local History Lecture - The Murrell and Ross Families - Murrell Home curator Shirley Pettengill discusses the two families most associated with this ante-bellum homes. 2 to 3 p.m. in the Cherokee Heritage Center Atrium. Free.