Archaeology Exhibit Opens in Cherokee

A temporary exhibit on Cherokee archaeological sites has opened up shop at the Cherokee County History Museum.

"Unearthing the Past: Archaeololgy in Cherokee County" will be on display at the museum until April 12, 2014. The museum is located inside the Cherokee County Historic Courthouse at 100 North Street Suite 140 in downtown Canton.

The exhibit, sponsored by Canton Tourism, Inc., will "explore the last 80 years of archaeological investigations in Cherokee County, highlight some of the more than 1,000 archaeological sites in the area and feature rarely seen artifacts found in Cherokee County," the Cherokee County Historical Society said in a news release.

The exhibit marks the first time the objects, which are part of a private collection, will be on display. The 50 or so items items represent over 8,000 years of Native American habitation and include items such as ceremonial objects, game pieces, weapons and tools. 

"Native Americans called Cherokee County home for 13,000 years," said Lisa Tressler, archivist for the Cherokee County Historical Society. "The Cherokee accounted for approximately 50 of those years. With this exhibit, we hope to open a window to the lives of not just the Cherokee but also these earlier cultures."

Cherokee County Historical Society Executive Director Stefanie Joyner added items from "major" archaeological sites are also represented, including Long Swamp, Wilbanks Mound and Hickory Log.