Stecoah welcomes Cherokee Historical Association
Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
File photo
On the morning of Monday, Jan. 12, a group from Cherokee Historical Association visited the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
Both CHA and SVC are nonprofits dedicated to the preservation of history and culture. Thus, the CHA representatives’ focus was on how Cherokee history and culture was being presented at SVC.
Within SVC’s Lynn L. Shields Auditorium, they viewed the Billy Welch 7 Clans masks, then read the mask descriptions posted in the Courtyard of the Cherokee. While in the courtyard, they took a group photo by “The Eternal Flame” sculpture created by Nathan Bush, JR Wolfe and William Rogers. Of note is that the Cherokee Preservation Foundation helped fund the Courtyard of the Cherokee.
Back inside the Exhibition Hallway, the group read through the historical panels, noting the inclusion of “Unto These Hills.” In the process, they talked with SVC Program Director Karen McCracken about how to update the panels and improve guest experiences. Overall, the visit fostered valuable dialogue and strengthened a shared commitment to honoring Cherokee history and culture.
The SVCis a nonprofit corporation serving the people of Stecoah and greater Graham County through programs and services benefitting all members of the community, with a keen focus on preserving and promoting Southern Appalachian mountain culture, which includes the restoration of the historic old Stecoah School to its original role as the center of the community.
For a full schedule of upcoming events, visit stecoahvalleycenter.com/calendar.
