Celebrating museum's 30th anniversary
JULIE CHAUTIN Contributing Writer

Photo by Wanda Stalcup

"The Eastern Band helps preserve not just their heritage, but the heritage of all of us." Cherokee County Historical Museum Director Wanda Stalcup explains her appreciation for the donations to the museum by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. On Saturday, September 1, the museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Heritage Day with a visit and speech by the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band, Michell Hicks, at 11 a.m. Mayor Bill Hughes and other dignitaries will also speak. The public is invited to attend and meet these important friends of Cherokee County.

The Eastern Band is a generous supporter of the Cherokee County Historical Museum. Stalcup noted that their donation for 2006-2007 enabled the museum to purchase a major security system for its building. This improvement in the infrastructure safeguards the historical artifacts that have been donated to the museum, and provides an incentive for local citizens to continue with these gifts, knowing their items will be protected.

In 2005-2006, the Eastern Band's donation provided the cash to pay the hefty publishing costs of Volume III of Heritage of Cherokee County, a history of local residents past and present.

Both of these projects preserve not only the history of the Cherokee people, but also that of the European immigrant settlers and their descendents.

In addition, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Council member Angie Kephart will speak at the celebration, as well as NC State Senators John Snow and Roger West. Jonathan Dickey, Chairman of the Cherokee County Commission will attend, and a representative from the officeof U.S. Representative Heath Shuler will be there.

Activities include the Marble Mountaineers performing on banjo and guitar and author Bill Carver signing his books and demonstrating how a still works. Local resident Joan Wallace will dress in Native American costume. Tony Moses will sell his handmade jewelry, and there will be guided tours of the museum at no charge. For details, call 837-6792.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians will speak at the Cherokee County Historical Museum on Heritage Day, September 1, at 11 a.m. Other dignitaries include Mayor Bill Hughes, NC Senators John Snow and Roger West, and Cherokee County Commissioner, Jonathan Dickey. The public is invited to attend the festivities at no charge. Call 837-6792 for details.