The Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, North Carolina, will be hosting a LGBTQ+ Archival Collections Gathering event in partnership with Unequolada on June 13. The event is meant to help document queer experiences among the Cherokee People, helping to provide a perspective that’s often overlooked.
“Collections staff will be available to scan or photograph any archival items or objects relating to LGBTQIA2S+ experiences of members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, including but not limited to photographs, scrapbooks, audio/visual recordings, pamphlets and printed materials, posters, letters/written correspondence, visual art, sketchbooks … and recording of oral histories for those interested in sharing personal recollections,” a spokesperson for the museum said. “The Museum seeks to provide safe housing for these items and community access through the development of this collection.”
The Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, North Carolina, offers a profound and immersive journey into the rich history and culture of the Cherokee tribe and its people. Established in 1948, this museum serves as a cultural and educational hub, preserving and showcasing artifacts, stories and traditions that span over 11,000 years. Visitors can explore meticulously curated exhibits featuring ancient tools, traditional crafts and compelling multimedia presentations that depict the Cherokee’s historical narrative, from their ancestral beginnings to contemporary times. The museum not only honors the resilience and enduring spirit of the Cherokee Nation but also provides a space for learning and reflection, developing a deeper understanding of Native American heritage and contributions to American history.
Unequolada is a queer educational group based out of Cherokee, and their mission statement spells out the organization’s as follows: “Bring[ing] our community together [in] welcoming and safe spaces for our Two-Spirit and queer relatives.”
“Unequolada translates to rainbows,” a post about the archival event states. “Building a safe and inclusive environment for our queer and Two-Spirit relatives is important for kin keeping, healing intergenerational trauma, and Two-Spirit and queer liberation.”
Those interested in contributing to the LGBTQ+ collection will be able to go to the museum on June 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the museum at (828) 497-3481.