About Us

Cherokee Historical is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1949 to preserve Cherokee history and culture. We are located in the heart of the Cultural District in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Cherokee Historical Vision

Our vision is to be recognized as a national treasure that tells our Cherokee story through many offerings which are authentic, educational, sustainable and enhances public awareness of human rights.

Cherokee Historical Mission

Our mission is to share Cherokee history and culture and the triumphant story of the Eastern Band of Cherokees with the world. We do this through excellence in the arts, education, living history and cultural preservation.

We accomplish our mission through the operation of two cultural attractions. Oconaluftee Indian Village living history museum and Unto These Hills outdoor drama.

Unto These Hills is one of the nation’s foremost outdoor dramas. Debuting in 1950, our show has been performed for over six million visitors.  From the first contact with Europeans to the infamous and tragic Trail of Tears, Unto These Hills tells the triumphant story of the Cherokee through the eons.

Oconaluftee Indian Village transports you back in time to a living, working Cherokee Village of the 18th Century. Here, centuries-old techniques for survival have been passed down from generation to generation and preserved in this living history site.