TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation’s John Ross Museum celebrates the life of John Ross, principle chief of the Cherokee Nation for more than 38 years. Opened on Oct. 21, the museum displays interactive exhibits on the Trail of Tears, Civil War, Cherokee Golden Age and John Ross’ life.
The museum building was originally a 1913 rural school in Park Hill, Okla., to serve both Cherokee and non-Cherokee students. Built across from the Ross Cemetery, the museum now serves as a gateway to the cemetery, as well as a historical site honoring John Ross. Additional exhibits will focus on local history.
“With the John Ross Museum and through our restoration projects and cultural tourism program, we are able to honor our heritage and provide opportunities for the Cherokee people,” said Molly Jarvis, vice president of the Cultural Tourism at Cherokee Nation Entertainment.
“It is an honor for me to join our community to recognize Principle Chief John Ross, a great tribal leader, who served the Cherokee Nation for more than 38 years. Chief John Ross is one of our most revered historical figures, leading the Cherokee people through forced removal known as the Trail of Tears and the Civil War years.”
The John Ross Museum is the second museum solely owned and operated by the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum became the first in 2010 and the Cherokee National Prison Museum will be the third in spring of 2012.
For more information, visit cherokeetourismok.com.
