The Museum of the Cherokee People offers genealogy research by appointment only. The Museum is not affiliated with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' (EBCI) enrollment office. Genealogy consultation does not guarantee affiliation with any Cherokee nation.
To begin your family research, contact Robin Swayney, Genealogist, at (828) 497-3481 ext. 1007 or [email protected]. An appointment is required for a genealogy consultation. Walk-in services are not offered.
Enrollment in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is governed by Cherokee Code, Chapter 49, Enrollment, and restricts enrollment to the following:
- A direct lineal ancestor must appear on the 1924 Baker Roll of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- You must possess at least 1/16 degree of Eastern Cherokee blood. Please note: Blood quantum is calculated from your ancestor listed on the 1924 Baker Roll. No DNA/blood testing is performed or acceptable for this calculation. To have this Roll searched, please contact the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Enrollment Office to receive a form to complete and submit.
The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma has its own rolls and requirements, as does the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Both are federally recognized tribes.
For further information, please visit each respective tribe’s website:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
Resources
Cherokee Roots Vol. 1 by Bob Blankenship.
Members of the Cherokee tribe residing east of the Mississippi River 1817-1924. Published by Cherokee Roots, 1992.
Cherokee Roots Vol. 2 by Bob Blankenship.
Lists members of the Cherokee tribe residing west of the Mississippi River. Published by Cherokee Roots, 1992.
1924 Baker Roll: A Cherokee Roots Publication by Bob Blankenship.
The final roll of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. The official base roll of the EBCI. Compiled and approved by Fred Baker pursuant to an Act of Congress 1924. Published by Cherokee Roots, 1999.
Dawes Roll Plus by Bob Blankenship.
Names and application information for the Dawes Roll. A Cherokee Roots Publication.
Cherokee Proud: A Guide for Tracing and Honoring Your Cherokee Ancestors by Tony Mack McClure.
Information about the Cherokee and how to trace your genealogy. Published by Chu-Nan-Nee Books.
Exploring Your Ancestry
How to trace your genealogy. Published by the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma.
Miller Roll Plus by Bob Blankenship.
Names and application information for the Miller Roll of the Eastern Cherokee both east and west of the Mississippi River in 1909.
