Cherokee Nation to build cultural and tourism facility along Route 66 in Vinita

The Cherokee Nation and city leaders for Vinita, Oklahoma, on Sept. 27 announced plans for a new cultural and tourism facility, named the Anna Mitchell Cultural and Welcome Center, along Route 66 in Vinita.

The center is being built inside the former Vinita Country Club at 953 E. Illinois Ave. (aka Route 66).

According to the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper:

The two-story, 9,400-square-foot space will include a gift shop, exhibit gallery, grab-and-go café and have space for cultural classes and events. 
“I think it’s one of the most important things we can do. Cherokee Nation has an amazing story to tell whether it’s in the form of history or culture or art, and the more we can tell that the better,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Having a physical place so close to major thoroughfares, I-44 and historic Route 66, it means that a whole new group of people over time will come and see the Cherokee story, learn about the Cherokee story.” […]
More than a welcome center, Hoskin said local residents will be able to experience classes of different Cherokee arts forms while tourists will learn about Cherokee culture and history.

Here’s a video by the Phoenix about the project:

Hoskin said renovations of the former country club are expected to be finished by December.

The center is named after Anna Belle Mitchell, known for restoring a Southeastern-style of pottery to Cherokee culture.

(Screen-capture image from Cherokee Phoenix video of the cultural and tourism center under construction)

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