An Evening of Cherokee History at The Beal Center

Harper Tate

389 Country

The Clay County Historical & Arts Council invites the community to a free event, "An Evening of Cherokee History," on April 4, 2025, at 7 PM. Hosted at The Beal Center, located at 25 Herbert St. in Hayesville, the event promises a deep dive into Cherokee culture and heritage through a lineup of distinguished speakers and artists. This program is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, celebrating 50 years of leadership in the arts.

The evening will feature four speakers, each bringing unique perspectives on Cherokee history and traditions. Dr. David Moore, a professor of archaeology at Warren Wilson College (retired), will share insights from his 24 years studying Cherokee and Southern Appalachian archaeology, as well as 25 years exploring ancestral archaeology of the Catawba and the 16th-century Spanish invasion of Hernando DeSoto and Juan Pardo. Moore also served as the originator of Cherokee Room exhibits at the Old Jail Museum in the early 1980s.

Rob Tiger, a fourth-generation local business owner, talented musician, and singer-songwriter, will also speak. With a background in archaeology, Tiger was involved with Western Carolina University’s excavations of Spikebuck Mound in Hayesville in 1973 and 1975. He received the Western Carolina University Mountain Heritage Award in 2012 for his contributions to preserving Southern Appalachian history and culture.

Artist and student of Southeastern Native traditions Dary Wood will discuss his work promoting the historic material culture of the Cherokee. Wood is the creator of a life-sized figure of Luna, a Cherokee woman basket weaver, which is prominently displayed in the Cherokee Room at the Old Jail Museum. His latest creation, a Cherokee Hunter, will also be on display during the event.

Rounding out the speakers is Davy Arch, a talented storyteller, lecturer, and traditional Cherokee artist. A multi-talented master artisan, Arch specializes in creating Cherokee Clan Masks, pottery, and basket weaving, and will share his extensive knowledge of Cherokee history with attendees.

The event, hosted by the Clay County Historical & Arts Council, will take place at The Beal Center, with additional Cherokee Room exhibits available for viewing at the Old Jail Museum, located at 21 Davis Loop Rd., Hayesville, NC 28904. This evening offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage with Cherokee heritage through expert voices and artistic expressions, all at no cost. For more information, contact the Clay County Historical & Arts Council.