Archives

MotCP’s Archives contain material pertaining to the Cherokee, including but not limited to:

  • 4,000 books (some old and rare)
  • Thousands of photographs from the 1880s to the present
  • Manuscript materials c. 1830–present
  • William H. Thomas Collection, containing papers and diaries from 1834–1899
  • 900 reels of microfilm of documents from foreign archives
  • Some original material in the Cherokee syllabary

Digital libraries online include:

  • King Research Collection: 30,000 pages of mostly primary source documents relating to the route of the Trail of Tears, used by the National Park Service to determine route of long distance trail
  • Kinsland Collection: 6,000 pages of photos, clippings, and information about the Cherokee Boys Club and contemporary Cherokee life from 1960–2007
  • Documenting Endangered Languages: 2,500 pages of Cherokee language materials collected on the Qualla Boundary from 1887–1920, some in Cherokee syllabary. Click here for a chart to decipher cursive syllabary.
  • More than 6,000 photographs of Cherokee life and culture

Archives Etiquette and Procedures for Visitors and Researchers


Please contact Registrar Lily Wright to schedule an appointment to view our archives at [email protected] or (828) 554-0479 ext. 1009.

  • Please schedule at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Visitors must complete the Code of Conduct and Archives and Research Usage forms before scheduling an appointment.
  • Before scheduling your appointment, please send the Manager of Collections object ID numbers for your research. It is not the Manager of Collections’ duty to conduct research on your behalf–this is required to schedule your appointment.
  • Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, or United Keetowah Band of Cherokee Indians will be given scheduling preference with proof of enrollment (enrollment card required upon arrival for access to restricted materials).
  • If you need scans or reproductions for publications or research papers, there is a schedule of fees for this process. Please inform the Manager of Collections.
  • Depending on material, some phone use is allowed. You may take pictures without flash. These pictures should be for personal use only to include in your citations. Use of images within published works requires separate pre-approved usage agreements.