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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. 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 website. 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

Exhibits

Sam Watts-Kidd Retrospective Exhibit - Original works by award-winning Cherokee Artist, Sam Watts-Kidd. Mediums vary from pencil to mixed media with the subject matter ranging from Southeastern motifs to various Native American tribes. February - April 30

Sequoyah Exhibit - The exhibit will examine the life and career of this influential Cherokee and will document his contributions to the Cherokee people. Particular attention will be paid as to how little we really know about this great man and the mysteries surrounding him. February - April 30

Cherokee Clans Exhibit - The exhibit will include works by Cherokee Artist, Sam Watts-Kidd and will feature seven murals, each depicting one of the seven clans. Various stories and history of the individual clans will be presented on text panels. February - April 30

March 2 - Cherokee Saturday - Members of all federally recognized Cherokee Tribes and a guest are admitted free to the Cherokee Heritage Center

March 3 - Tahlequah Remembered Lecture Series - "Memories" - The public is invited to take a nostalgic journey through Tahlequah life. Enjoy the many colorful experiences and characters that created Tahlequah's rich history.

March 9-10 - Genealogy Conference - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 1 - 5 p.m. This conference will cover the basics for finding Cherokee ancestors, such as researching the Cherokee rolls, examples of writing family trees, and tribal enrollment. Writing letters that get a response will also be given.

March 19 - Volunteer Meeting - For current volunteer or those wishing to volunteer 10:30 a.m. Cherokee Heritage Center Conference Room

March 23 - Traditional Pottery Class - Students of this class will learn the basic techniques of creating traditional Southeast Cherokee Pottery. Decorating and firing will be discussed. Fee $30 includes lunch and supplies

March 24 - Tahlequah Remembered Lecture Series - "Historic Homes" - Beth Herrington, author of "Historic Homes" has made an extensive study of vintage Tahlequah homes and will discuss the history of various houses.