CHEROKEE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Museum of the Cherokee People has unveiled a new series of public events and exhibitions for its 78th year. The programming is part of a shift toward becoming a “first-voice” museum, where the public will learn about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians directly from members of the EBCI community.

2026 events include an exploration of the Cherokee experience during the American Revolution, programming which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and a community pottery showcase.

“One of our current strategic priorities is ‘identity,’ and by that we mean intentionally focusing on how we become a first-voice museum,” said MotCP Executive Director Shana Bushyhead Condill in a press release. “The Museum has taken steps in the past towards this intentional shift toward focusing on our community, but we want to make this shift a promise and commitment to Cherokee people. We know that meaningful self-representation lifts up our community, and we also know that our visitors are seeking authentic experiences, so it’s a win-win. The ‘how’ can not only be seen in our exhibit labels, but also our events, programming and collections care.”

MotCP is currently in the process of a $85 million renovation project. The project, “Of This Place: A Campaign for the Museum of the Cherokee People,” will result in an updated museum facility and a new, off-site home for archival materials. However, the main MotCP exhibit remains open during the transition.

Find a full calendar of MotCP exhibits and events at www.motcp.org/exhibitions-events.

MotCP is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12 and free of charge for children age 5 and under. Discounted rates for students, educators, seniors and military service members are also available, and the museum offers free admission to members of federally recognized tribes.