Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Museum of the Cherokee Indian. . , "To preserve and perpetuate the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people.", To accomplish this mission, the museum maintains a permanent exhibit, extensive artifact collection, archives, education programs, artist series, and a museum store. The museum also publishes the Journal of Cherokee Studies., The Museum of the Cherokee Indian opened in 1948 and moved to its present facility in 1976. Its exhibit was totally renovated in 1998, when a new 12,000-square-foot exhibit was installed. The museum is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status. , The museum has helped to revitalize the stamped pottery tradition by creating and working with the Cherokee Potters Guild; traditional dance by sponsoring the Warriors of AniKituhwa; traditional 18th century Cherokee dress; feather capes; and language. Because of this work, the museum received the Community Traditions Award from the North Carolina Arts Council., The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day., The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers., More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com