Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc.

The Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc. (CNHS) was established as a 501.c(3) nonprofit organization in 1967 with a mission to: Preserve, Promote and Teach Cherokee History and Culture. The Cherokee Heritage Center (CHC) is the operational and management title for all of the programs and projects on the 44-acre tract of land that was the original Cherokee Female Seminary. CHC is a sustainable entity through support from individuals, organizations, and foundations with whom we form partnerships that provides for the majority our program offerings. Today, CHC includes the Cherokee National Museum which houses the award-winning Trail of Tears exhibit in partnership with the National Park Service; a reconstructed 1710 ancient Cherokee village called "Diligwa"; an Indian Territory period town called Adams Corner; the Ho Chee Nee Chapel; the Cherokee National Archives; and, the Cherokee Family Research Center. We also host two major American Indian art show and sales; and, two seasonal exhibits throughout the year. In addition to the permanent and seasonal exhibits and features on the campus, CHC also provides important outreach and educational programming throughout the northeastern Oklahoma region. We also have an extensive series of educational programs by hosting two annual events: the first is “Indian Territory Days” in which students from around Northeast Oklahoma partake in hands-on period-specific activities; and, Cherokee Heritage Days in the fall. In addition, the Education Program also administers a two semester for credit college-level Cherokee Humanities Course; and teaches six art classes annually. We also provide an award-winning Outreach Program that works with schools and organizations regionally to teach Cherokee humanities in a school setting. This programming includes storytelling, sports, games, arts and other age specific activities. These services reach over 46,000 people which includes all 50 States and 80 foreign countries on an annual basis and which makes us the focal point of pride for all Cherokee people.