OPENING: A ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently for Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum in Sallisaw, Okla. Shown (left-right) are Todd Hembree, Cherokee Nation Attorney General; Daryl Legg, City of Sallisaw Commissioner; Bryan Warner, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council; Zach Adair, Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum Cultural Guide; Steeler Adair; Ro Poindexter, City of Sallisaw Commissioner; Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Secretary of State; Keith Austin, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council; S. Joe Crittenden, Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief; Joe Byrd, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Speaker; Amelia Hoskin; Chuck Hoskin, Cherokee Nation Chief of Staff; Crosslin Smith, Cherokee Spiritual Leader; Emma Fields, Little Cherokee Ambassador; Lauryn McCoy, Junior Miss Cherokee; Jed Cochran, field representative for Senator Jim Inhofe; Brian Hendrix, Oklahoma Deputy Assistant for Native American Affairs; Janees Taylor, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, Brent Taylor, Cherokee Nation Businesses board of directors; Wanda Hatfield, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council; Dan Carter, Cherokee Nation Businesses board of directors; David Fowler, site manager for Murrell Home; Kathy Dixon, Oklahoma Historical Society Museum and Sites Director; and Jack Baker, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council and Oklahoma Historical Society board president. (Cherokee Nation photo)
SALLISAW, Okla. – Cherokee Nation is opening Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum after acquiring the historic property from the Oklahoma Historical Society late last year. The popular tourist attraction was the home of legendary statesman and inventor of the Cherokee syllabary, Sequoyah.
Prior to reopening the site under Cherokee Nation management, the popular tourist attraction received much-needed repairs and renovations. The museum now features large displays that share the story of Sequoyah, his development of the Cherokee syllabary and Cherokee language today. Additional displays showcase the history of the Cherokee Old Settlers, Cherokee Nation post-removal and the Cherokee Nation today. The museum also features a new retail space offering Cherokee Nation apparel, gifts and souvenirs.
“Adding Sequoyah’s cabin to our cultural tourism holdings only strengthens our ever-growing abilities to share Cherokee heritage,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker.
“For years, people have traveled to Sallisaw to learn more about the man who revolutionized the way Cherokees communicate. We anticipate even more visitors in the coming years as we promote the unique offerings under the Cherokee Nation’s brand. From the educational awareness to the natural beauty of the landscape, there will be something for everyone when they visit the cabin.”
The cabin was constructed by Sequoyah in 1829 and welcomes more than 12,000 visitors each year. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and a National Literary Landmark in 2006. The homestead includes a one-room cabin and nearly 200 acres.
Cherokee Nation took ownership from the Oklahoma Historical Society in November 2016 when the state of Oklahoma was no longer able to operate and maintain the site due to budget cuts.
“Budget constraints at the state level allowed Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma Historical Society to navigate the historic transition of such an inspirational and educational site,” said Cherokee Nation Chief of Staff Chuck Hoskin. “We assume the responsibilities as stewards and take that task very seriously. Sequoyah’s mark on our people is undeniable, and we will make his home a place of reverence in perpetuity.”
Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum is included in the tribe’s popular tourism program, Cherokee Passport. The self-guided tour program costs $15 and includes admission to five museums, including the Cherokee Heritage Center, Cherokee National Prison Museum, Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, John Ross Museum and Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum. It also provides a list of 107 attractions, historic sites, events and cultural treasures throughout the Cherokee Nation.
For more information or to purchase a Cherokee Passport, please visit www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.
– Anadisgoi, Cherokee Nation news
