Museum of the Cherokee Indian - Cherokee, NC - Museum Including Exhibitions and Lectures

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is set on tribal land in the Great Smoky Mountains of Cherokee in North Carolina. The mountains were the home of the Eastern band of Cherokee Indians for eleven thousand years. This not for profit organization aims to reproduce the history of the tribe, and retrace their steps and traditions.

When it was opened in 1948, the museum was essentially just a log cabin. It has since evolved in to a relative hi-tech art house after moving to its current site in 1976, with exhibitions, lectures and workshops to keep visitors entertained. The relatively unknown language adopted by the Cherokee in 1821 can be heard too.

Visitors are welcomed with an interactive service, which includes a virtual Cherokee guide unveiling the myths and legends of the Indian tribe. The Cherokee Indian history is traced from the beginning with Kanati and Selu, who were the tribe's equivalent of Adam and Eve. This is recounted in the Story Lodge and flows through time to the first European settlers and on to recent history.

A hands-on experience of Cherokee Indian culture and traditions is just one of the attractions for the museum. Visitors are able to learn how to make baskets, pottery, beadwork or arrowheads under tuition from one of the Cherokee craftsman. Workshops are open for individuals or groups to try out these specific skills.

There are also lectures from acknowledged scholars on various Cherokee subjects, including archaeology. One hour programs are designed to inform visitors about the history of the tribe and the area they lived in. This includes a lecture from a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who tells stories of his ancestor's past.

The Cherokee Indian culture can be sampled as part of the Cherokee experience. There is a one hour program designed to show the music and dance skills of the tribe, and groups visiting the show are encouraged to participate. Nature and heritage trails are also offered but all these experiences are at a cost on top of the admission fee.

The museum is an interesting fusion of old and new. Whilst the history and traditional techniques in craft making are presented by the Cherokee Indians themselves, there are many special computerized effects used to promote the tribe and its history. Souvenirs can be purchased at the museum gift shop such as books, jewellery, dolls along with many other items.

Reviews of the site from previous visitors mostly suggest it is an interesting place to visit, with impressive movies and exhibits. However, younger children may not find it quite so riveting, as there is a lot of information to take in and so it may be best to keep the visit fairly brief if taking the kids along. Whilst the shop has some expensive items, apparently there are some souvenirs of good value to be bought too.

The museum is open all year round, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Admission to the museum exhibition for adults is $9, children aged 6-13 is $6, whilst any children under six years of age can enter for free. However, there is no charge if visiting just the museum shop.