Welcome!  Detsadanilvga

“To preserve and perpetuate the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee.”

Located on tribal land in the Great Smoky Mountains, this non-profit organization tells the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose ancestors lived in these mountains for more than ten thousand years.  

Preserving the past and linking you to Cherokee people today

In addition to preserving the past through exhibits, collections, and archives, the museum connects your group with the living traditions and Cherokee people of today through the Cherokee Experience.  Spend a day or a week learning hands-on crafts from tribal members, dancing, eating native food, and walking nature trails in the mountains, guided by tribal elders.

Revitalizing our traditions

The museum reaches beyond its walls to help tribal members revitalize traditions of stamped pottery, Cherokee dance, finger weaving with beads, rivercane basketry and more. By sponsoring the Warriors of AniKituhwa, the museum has helped bring to life Cherokee dances from three centuries ago, and has enabled these cultural ambassadors to travel to the National Museum of the American Indian, Colonial Williamsburg, Quebec, Germany, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and throughout the Southeast.

Learn more about us on our website, and visit us in the beautiful mountain homeland of the Cherokee. Denadagahoyv—We will be seeing you!