Museums

The Mountain Heritage Center celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region. Through exhibitions, publications, educational programs and demonstrations, the center promotes rich traditions of the mountains.

The "Migration of the Scotch-Irish People" is the center's permanent exhibit. It describes the Scottish and English migrants who settled in Northern Ireland in the seventeenth century, and whose descendants came to the New World in the eighteenth century to make homes in the coves and hollows of western North Carolina. As they adjusted to their new environment, these people, known in Ireland as the Ulster Scots and in America as the Scotch-Irish, retained some of their traditions, which survive today in Appalachian family names and folkways.

The center also produces temporary exhibits around such themes as blacksmithing traditions in the mountains, mountains trout, the natural and cultural history of an Appalachian watershed, and the enduring popularity of handwoven coverlets and the Southern Appalachian handicraft movement.

The heirlooms of hundreds of western North Carolina families are just some of the articles of histroical significance preserved by the Mountain Heritage Center. The center's collection, numbering more than 10,000 artifacts, provides rich material for exhibits that illustrate mountain ways of life and continuity with the past.

In addition to preparing exhibits and maintaining its extensive collections, the center prepares multi-media presentations and publishes books, tapes and other materials on mountain culture.

For information about the museum and its special events, educational programs, programs for groups and hours of operation, call 828-227-7129, or visit the website listed at the bottom of this page.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Cherokee

Your trip through the Museum of the Cherokee Indian begins with the words: "Welcome. I want to tell you a story, a very old story ..."

Cherokee storytellers have always been the keepers of traditions, legends and rituals, so it is only right that you start your Cherokee journey in a story hut with a storyteller who explains how the Cherokee world was made. Expect to be surprised, though -- the Museum's storyteller throws in some modern special effects to enliven the tale.

Totally renovated in 1998, the new museum is a new experience. By combining high-tech wizardry and an extensive artifact collection, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian is fun for the entire family and an exciting, educational event.

For information about the museum and its special events, educational programs, programs for groups and hours of operation, call (828) 497-3481.

The Old Mill
Cherokee

Experience an 1886 water grist mill on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation. This Attraction will host a Country store with Fresh Ground Cornmeal,Jams,Country Hams, Soaps, Jams, Lotions, and more.

The 1886 room is full of Antiques, Lamps, Furniture, and Quality smalls.The 1930 Gift shop will offer Cherokee made baskets and arts and crafts and Quality gifts. Collectors will find Civil war, Indian Artifacts, Pottery and Advertising plus much more.

A Historical Journey Through A Living Village
Cherokee

The Oconaluftee Village is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Western North Carolina. Sparkling streams, majestic views and unspoiled beauty attract millions of visitors to the Park every year.

During your tour of the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you'll not only get a glimpse of Native American life as it was 250 years ago, you'll have an opportunity to stroll through the Oconaluftee Indian Village Herb Garden and our magnificent Nature Trail.