Science & Life Skills

Learn about the Cherokee Nation's living museum that teaches history and culture through a recreated 1710 village.

The Cherokee Nation created Diligwa, a living museum that shows what a Cherokee village looked like in 1710, during the beginning of the trade era.

Families have worked at Diligwa for generations, passing down knowledge from elders to children. The new village uses archaeological evidence to be more accurate.

Visitors come from all over the world to Diligwa, including school children and families. Many say they learn more in one hour here than in years of history classes.

Diligwa helps teach that Cherokee people are still here today and that different Native American tribes are unique. It breaks down stereotypes about what people think Native Americans should look like.

Having Diligwa in Oklahoma reminds people that Cherokee were forced to move there against their will, causing great loss to their people.

Diligwa, A Living Cherokee History