Cherokee Heritage Center Mission:  To promote, preserve and teach the Cherokee culture.

In all historical accounts of Cherokee history, education is revered with the upmost importance among the Cherokee people.  Since the inception of the Cherokee Heritage Center, the mission has centered on educating the public of Cherokee culture and life ways.

The Cherokee Heritage Center’s Education Department helps further the mission by presenting programs that incorporate the Cherokee culture through hosting a variety of hands-on cultural classes, special living classroom events, Cherokee games and offering a college level studies program for adult students.

The Cultural Class Series give individuals the opportunity to learn traditional Cherokee crafts taught by highly experienced teachers.  Subjects include basketry, pottery, tools, weapons, clothing and beadwork among others.  Students are encouraged to continue their learning through practice and further research.

Education Days are held each spring and fall for school students.  Activities and demonstrations teach students about Cherokee culture in the 17th and 19th Centuries.  Paralleling the living villages of each time period, students are involved in games, crafts, storytelling and other activities showing Cherokee lifestyle and culture.

The Cherokee Humanities Course is presented to adult students interested in learning more about Cherokee culture through the humanities.  Presented each fall, students are enrolled in a college level course and have the opportunity to earn up to six hours of credit from an accredited university.  A study of the Cherokee culture in comparison to the Western world is examined.

The Education Department also works with all the Cherokee Heritage Center’s programming to present accurate and entertaining Cherokee cultural programs for the world.

Contact information - Heritage Center (918) 456-6007 Email:education@CherokeeHeritage.org