Cherokee Nation to Celebrate Grand Opening of Cherokee National History Museum

Published August 6, 2019

Cherokee National History Museum opens to public Aug. 8

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation is celebrating the opening of the Cherokee National History Museum. The museum is the newest addition to the tribe’s robust tourism offerings and is located within one of its most iconic structures, the Cherokee National Capitol building.

The Cherokee National History Museum shares the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation within 4,000 square feet of permanent exhibit space and 1,000 square feet of rotating gallery space.

Exhibits feature commissioned art by Cherokee Nation artists, as well as artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian, Gilcrease Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society and Cherokee National Archives.

Technology also plays a huge role in the museum, as many exhibits offer an interactive augmented reality through use of iPads that expand on content and enhance the overall guest experience.

Originally built in 1869 on the main town square of Tahlequah, the Cherokee National Capitol building housed the tribe’s executive, legislative and judicial offices until 1906, and was most recently home to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court until fall 2018. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also designated a National Landmark.

WHAT:      Grand opening of the Cherokee National History Museum

WHEN:      Thursday, Aug. 8 – 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:    Cherokee National Peace Pavilion, 177 S. Water Ave., Tahlequah, OK 74464

WHO:        Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker

Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden

Council of the Cherokee Nation Speaker Joe Byrd

Cherokee Nation Businesses Senior Vice President of Cultural Tourism Molly Jarvis

Cherokee National Youth Choir