"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CHC Undergoes Second Renovation

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - After receiving a major renovation of its museum store this summer, the Cherokee Heritage Center, located in Park Hill, is yet again under construction. The atrium area, as well as other entrance features, is currently undergoing a $190,000 renovation as part of a two-phase facelift of the center.

“This project is something we’ve wanted to take on for a while now,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates the Cherokee Nation’s cultural tourism department. “The Heritage Center is such a beacon for Cherokee history, not only for our tribe, but for the thousands of people from all over the country that visit the center each year. This change will help our efforts toward promoting and creating awareness of the Cherokee Nation’s rich cultural past and current culturally significant travel destinations.”

Upon completion, the Cherokee Heritage Center will feature a dramatic transition from the atrium area to the museum store via a stairway enclosed by walls containing exhibits. The new entrance exhibit was made possible by removing the handicap ramp and replacing it with a wheelchair lift that will sit adjacent to the staircase.

Also as part of the renovation, all fixtures are being updated, the entrance restrooms are receiving new tile, fixtures and stalls, and the kitchen is being refinished. Other work includes repainting the ceiling and walls and repairing the center’s koi pond.

The renovation project is headed by Takoda Development of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Childers Architect of Fort Smith, Ark. Work is projected to be complete late October.

Established in 1963 at the former site of the Cherokee Female Seminary, the Cherokee Heritage Center is home to hundreds of tribal historical documents, photographs and exhibits. The 44-acre complex includes a Trail of Tears museum, special museum exhibits, cultural art classes, the Adams Corner village, a Cherokee ancient village and various art shows and competitions held throughout the year.

For more information about the Cherokee Heritage Center or other sites with historical significance to the Cherokee Nation, visit Cherokee Tourism OK.