Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
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PARK HILL, OK – For many, family heritage is represented by the numerous photographs and documents often passed from one generation to the next. Over time, these items become ragged and worn as pieces of such a rich heritage are lost for good. In an attempt to help preserve these diminishing legacies, the Cherokee Family Research Center will host a Cherokee Ancestor Fair focusing on the preservation of family photographs and documents as well as where these documents can be found.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, participants will learn proper care and preservation techniques of Cherokee records and photographs, as well as participate in round-table discussions of Cherokee family traditions, religion, marriage and more. The class will break for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

Presenters for this conference will include Carolyn Reno, from the Collections Department at Shiloh Museum, who will discuss the do’s and don’ts of photograph preservation; Bill Welge, archivist for the Oklahoma Historical Society, will discuss the preservation of documents such as wills, deeds and marriage licenses; Gene Norris, genealogist for the Cherokee Family Research Center, will discuss Cherokee marriages, wills and probate records and the methods of locating such records; Mickel Yantz, Cherokee National Museum curator, will discuss the preservation of family records; and Roy Hamilton and Ryan Mackey will host the round-table discussions on Cherokee family, traditions, religion, marriage and more.

The Cherokee Ancestor Fair, hosted by the Cherokee Heritage Center, will be held at the Cherokee Nation on Highway 62 in Tahlequah. Registration for this fair is $30 for Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc. members and $35 for non-members. Numerous vendors will be on hand to offer items designed to aide in family research.

For more information or to register, call the Cherokee Family Research Center, phone: 918-456-6007 (ext.27), call toll free 888-999-6007 (ext.27) or send e-mail to: genealogy@cherokeeheritage.org.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org