History on Display: New Museum in Downtown Canton Shares County's Past

The Cherokee County History Center in Downtown Canton brings to life more than 10,000 years of the compelling history of the community. Now, visitors of all ages can dig into the county’s fascinating past.

The History Center is in the former city police station, built in 1970 and originally a post office. Following a $4.8 million renovation, the stunning museum offers a place to explore, browse, and savor Cherokee County from earliest prehistoric times to today’s dynamic county.

The 11,000-square-foot History Center includes a research library, educational facilities, and archives for History Cherokee’s expansive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs.

“The History Center is a place for all generations to explore Cherokee County’s history, find preservation resources, and participate in diverse programming,” explains History Cherokee Executive Director Stefanie Joyner.

The museum includes the Main Hall, where visitors are greeted with a video of highlights of Cherokee County’s history, and six galleries with in-depth information from each era featuring compelling exhibits, interactive displays, and captivating artifacts. Each gallery opens off the Main Hall and the galleries are also connected to allow visitors to walk from one to the next in chronological order.

“The Cherokee County History Center’s exhibits are in chronological order so that visitors can easily trace our county’s history from prehistoric times to the present. It will also make it convenient for them to find certain time periods they may be interested in,” explains Kaylee Johnson, History Cherokee exhibits and collections manager.

Highlights of the History Center include the Native American artifacts exhibit, an 1890s wagon used by the Jones Mercantile company, two theaters playing vintage videos and a documentary, and a race car simulator of Dixie Speedway. There are also electronic touchscreens throughout the museum to dive a little deeper into the exhibits.

Sculptures Bring History to Life

Even a walk by the Cherokee County History Center offers a meaningful and expressive glimpse of the rich history of the area.

Three outside sculptures by metal artist Huelani Mei Fogelman, each representing an important element of the county’s history, are visible on the east side of the new History Center along Marietta Street.

The first sculpture is titled “You Are Here” and represents the time and growth of Cherokee County within it is layers, according to the artist. The layers include an outline of the county, a red marker showing where the sculpture and the viewer are located, the roadways that bring life and movement within the county, and the original railroad system which helped fuel the development of Cherokee County.

The middle sculpture represents the indigenous people of Cherokee County, and is titled “Ta-la, White Oak.” History Cherokee exists on the lands of the Cherokee and Creek peoples, whose ancestors resided here long before the lines of Cherokee County were drawn.

The white oak was chosen as the subject due to its importance and perseverance in Cherokee history and culture. Indigenous to the Southeast, the tree grew in abundance, and was used for houses and roofs, basketry, ceremonial fire, and as a food source, according to the interpretation of the sculpture.

The sculpture stands as a reminder of the forced removal of the Cherokee from their homes in the county in 1838. The removal was a part of the attempted genocide known as the Trail of Tears.

“Poultry Pioneers”, the third sculpture, represents the importance of the poultry industry to Cherokee County. By the 1960s, Cherokee County was known as the Broiler County of the World. Its residents took pride in its large-scale poultry production, which focused on broiler chickens, raised specifically for their meat.

Of the interpretive work, Mei says, “The Broiler Chicken stands proud on top of his chicken coop. Rising above and beyond to represent the hardworking and respected individuals in Cherokee County that formed the poultry industry into what it is today.”

Educating future generations

The Cherokee History Center is a significant educational asset to the community, and Education Manager Harvee White is prepared for those of all ages who want to learn more about history.

“At the history center we’ve tried to make history and learning accessible. If you’re wanting to roll up your sleeves and do some heavy research, you can come and use our research library. If you’re wanting something educational but fun to do on a family day or first date, walking through our galleries is perfect. My hope is that even people who don’t love history as much as we do, can visit, have a great time, and learn something in the process,” Harvee explains.

The educational manager is also excited about all the History Center offers children.

“There are so many different hands-on activities in the museum. Traditionally, people think of museums as ‘no touch zones’ where you have to keep your hands to yourself. We wanted children to feel welcome here, so we have a number of ‘hand-on’ stations where they can touch replicas and learn through play. We’ll also be rolling out various programs made for children,” she promises.

The Cherokee County History Center offers a bookstore and gift shop with books about local and area history as well as an extensive collection of gifts and merchandise.

This was featured in Historic Canton magazine. Read more.

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