Students Invited to Ancient Cherokee Days

 

Area students have the opportunity to spend an interactive day at Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah and learn about Cherokee history as part of Ancient Cherokee Days on Oct. 2-3. The event is set in an outdoor classroom setting for students in grades kindergarten through 12 and is a learning adventure for public, private and home schooled children. The event is primarily held inside Diligwa, which is Cherokee Heritage Center's authentic recreation of Cherokee life in the early 1700's. Tonia Weavel, CHC education director, said, "This is a great opportunity for children to learn about ancient Cherokee life in a fun interactive way. When they leave Cherokee Heritage Center, they will have a better understanding of what life was like for Cherokees 300 years ago."

Admission to Ancient Cherokee Days is $5 per students. Accompanying adults are free. Face painting, which represents Cherokee tattoos from the early 1700's, is offered at $1 per design. Admission also includes tours of the Cherokee National Museum, the Trail of Tears exhibit and Adams Corner. Many Cherokee cultural learning stations will be available throughout the grounds that feature chunkey, marbles, stick ball, blowguns, language and more. The outdoor cultural classes also feature interactive curriculum and games centered on Cherokee lifestyle in the early 18th century, including craft demonstrations in pottery making, basket weaving, food grinding, weapons or tool making and language.

Groups are encouraged to make their visits day long events. Picnic tables are available for guests bringing lunches. The CHC has ample parking for school buses and private vehicles. The Murrell Home, one-half mile south, has additional picnic and playground areas. Registration for Ancient Cherokee Days begins at 9:30 a.m. The event will occur rain or shine, with an established curriculum in place for inclement weather that allows students to continue to enjoy the stations.

For more information about the Cherokee Humanities Course, contact Tonia Weavel at 948-456-6007 or tonia-weavel@cherokee.org. For information on the 2014 season events, operating hours and programs, please contact the Cherokee Heritage Center at (888)999-6007 or visit www.CherokeeHeritage.org. It can also be found on Facebook by searching "Cherokee Heritage Center."

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