Keetoowah Museum Welcomes Briggs School Students for Hands-On Cultural Visit

By Marilyn Craig

Marketing Coordinator, John Hair Cultural Center and Museum

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Nearly 150 students from Briggs School toured the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum on April 10 and 11 as part of a cultural education field trip designed to teach Keetoowah history and traditional arts.

Fifth through eighth grade students rotated through three interactive learning stations in small groups. Museum Director Ernestine Berry led a guided history tour, while others created decorative gourd mask magnets, participated in an arrowhead hunt, and made arrowhead necklaces.

Berry, named a Keetoowah Tradition Keeper in 2016 for her extensive knowledge of tribal history, began her session by asking students what they knew about the Trail of Tears. Nearly every hand went up.

“The Keetoowah did not come on the Trail of Tears,” Berry told the students. “They were already here. They had migrated to the west to maintain their traditional culture and get away from European encroachment. This group of Cherokees became known as the Old Settlers or the Western Cherokees.”

Despite the challenge of holding the attention of 25 middle schoolers without cell phones, Berry’s storytelling kept the room engaged for nearly half an hour.

Outside, students enjoyed spring sunshine as they searched for replica arrowheads hidden in the grass. After finding one, they returned to a table to choose a cord and craft their own necklace.

The visit was coordinated by Briggs School Cherokee Culture Coordinator Charlotte Wolfe, also a Keetoowah Tradition Keeper. The UKB Education Department sponsored the field trip.

“We love hosting groups, especially student groups,” said Assistant Museum Director Barbara Girty Foster. “Our staff works well together, and we have some outstanding volunteers. We look forward to welcoming more schools throughout the spring, summer, and fall—especially during Native American Heritage Month.”

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment. For more information, visit the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum on Facebook, YouTube @KeetoowahMuseum, online at ukb-nsn.gov, or call (918) 871-2866.

Photo: Museum Director Ernestine Berry shares Keetoowah history with visiting students (courtsey photo).