“End of the Trail Exhibit: The Founding of Park Hill” Opens May 3

Published May 3, 2019

Digital exhibit on display at the John Ross Museum through Jan. 1

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A new digital exhibit is coming to the John Ross Museum that showcases the aftermath of the Trail of Tears and the emergence of Park Hill as a cultural hub for the Cherokee Nation.

“End of the Trail Exhibit: The Founding of Park Hill” opens to the public on May 3 and will be on display through Jan. 1. It is the second digital exhibit created by the tribe.

“Digital exhibits are proving to be a huge asset for our museums and allow us the opportunity to share the history and culture of the Cherokee people in a new and exciting way,” said Travis Owens, director of cultural tourism for Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We are now able to enhance our visitors’ experience by showcasing photographs and documents that we would otherwise not have access to and present the information in an interactive and engaging way.”

Five main topics guide visitors through the digital exhibit, along with an interactive map that provides more information about historic sites in Park Hill. Visitors will learn how Park Hill got its name, who the original inhabitants were, how missionaries came to the area and how many of the Cherokee elite ended up settling in the community.

“The Park Hill community played an important role in Cherokee Nation after removal,” said Cady Shaw, interpretive manager for Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. “It was the home of the first Cherokee National Female Seminary, the Park Hill Printing Press office, missionary schools, mercantiles, mills, stately homes and so much more.”

The John Ross Museum highlights the life of John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for more than 38 years, and houses exhibits and interactive displays on the Trail of Tears, Civil War, Cherokee Golden Age and Cherokee Nation’s passion for the education of its people. The museum is housed in an old, rural school building known as School #51 and sits at the foot of Ross Cemetery, where John Ross and other notable Cherokee citizens are buried.

For information on Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, including museum operations, please call (877) 779-6977 or visit www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.