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.
![Cherokee County History Museum Ribbon Cutting in Canton Georgia](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=75f9950e6b9c20cfe2a93a214bd8e6b0 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=259ca2126e4908064618c5506846602d 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3aa9e01e6d3018b017f4484610f35194 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=24d5c4630592127f77e0bba27a307d10 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5bc58a879416540f3df9935a84dfc3aa 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=bde3b2438c790298bb380d74e958a064 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/Cherokee-County-History-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=40dc405f4dbae250203662b1ce822b92 1920w)
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.
![Ken White Hall at the History Cherokee Museum in Canton Georgia](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c726cf945bd75b0e9fd32fa11968bea9 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9f5456b97e1656a2f1dd257689399d00 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=de6d0aa799c6b0545d33f81ba1395380 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=f144f16dd54f7e1f32feab5555f9c1fd 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a61db4cb6e012013eae0a53f001de446 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=0d54dabb19722123723af2ea8959cec4 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=34adde11a6b7f23547e0ed7aef413954 1920w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=c43f1a22c0ef2578f13f65b23d038ac6 2560w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Ken-White-Hall.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=772dca8e4eb4abb7f8e558c131930ed4 3840w)
“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.
![History Cherokee Museum in Canton Georgia](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ae7062afcdd1403eba6d5b31865bf62c 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3e9981907f568b9504e83237a6773440 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ad1a3fe2243cc8b10f957e6b83eba910 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=8c46e5b79a6a525158166d9800ae0889 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=62be791508ca3699145117deddffa32a 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a92d2a6595ebd27de2aef0b71de77582 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0b941fb2c8a571791594d5a59a56f64d 1920w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=1bb1c6171af43fb59214e4a13afce7e0 2560w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/History-Center-Grisham-Galt-Magruder-Gallery-and-Gallery-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=6164f3d8c4a17cef05b92da9f7c7fd3e 3840w)
“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.
![History Cherokee Statues in Canton Georgia](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=df9caa0a77e5323e8ae584583ef6c4f9 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=43afc936e41bc233468ae1276dbb554c 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=caac64b6ce2b4abd4b09c35631ea8392 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=22f3b503b237d93593cfe8623f1510e7 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b639e4594e7089cffd2318fb0bf16e7a 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=f1fd5162b033df30bbe53a4d480d6b7a 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/ECM-Nov-Dec-22_History-Cher-Mus_Building-entrance-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=6deed72d3fcda3a1eb242f058773e774 1732w)
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.
![A family views one of the exhibits at the History Cherokee Museum in Canton Georgia](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=3cd155b3534c134db1d6fbc329cabfde 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2dcc1172a326cc53f1d0a44fd51ca46b 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1caffcf1ff7db15cb702a6fcba70d1c8 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=4d3a1371d1a3f62be7479940fae47ac2 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=67bd1c78ee3b16667992306fbd0ec503 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=c73b81f0825bc350073122756f26ea68 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=550eea9b4369c492f0b1ff7e2ea24a34 1920w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=a726e1b477095a3bc80351f60a659f45 2560w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110593.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=04565aaf9985fcd47309f6b30cb23687 3840w)
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.
![History Cherokee Museum in Canton Georgia](https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=fb3d6c98f9b27a304d0a5b503a7dc97f 320w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f31b90eacfd3cf8f184d801dfa2bf73a 540w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b7a11b208ff5ddf18ea82706362025fc 768w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d5bb2c01736d6eb05f63e473e09694a6 1024w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ad8807b61dc4b00dd17b7f5861414570 1200w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=33d9ec6ccaa2923fa0fbdca9edbd2b1c 1440w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=2db27d32d5ade97a6763478c53cdc167 1920w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=21de78b452f410c8787ce61b9b63082d 2560w, https://cantonga.imgix.net/images/20230626-HistoryCherokee-110547.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=ec5267fa892013abcebe4814b2c2eb65 3840w)
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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221 East Marietta Street Canton, GA 30114 (770) 345-3288