This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/iVB.2ACI/2430 Message Board Post: Broad River Genealogical Society has received a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council's Humanities Forum, a Speakers Bureau of the NCHC. This grant entitles this non-profit organization to schedule two outstanding speakers at Cleveland County Memorial Library. On Saturday, April 23, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., William (Bill) Anderson will be presenting a program entitled "Cherokee Removal". The removal of the Cherokee Nation from its homeland in the Southeast to a new territory beyond the Mississippi remains a compelling and controversial event in United States history. The Cherokee, more than any other Native American people, tried to adopt Anglo-American culture. In a remarkably short time, they transformed their society and modified their traditional culture in order to conform to United States policy, to fulfill the expectations of white politicians and philanthropists, and most importantly, to preserve tribal integrity. On the eve of Cherokee removal, many white Americans considered them to be the most "civilized" of all native peoples. Why then were the Cherokees removed? Dr. Anderson is a History Professor at Western Carolina University where he specializes in Native American history, in particular the Cherokee culture. He i! s a graduate of the University of Alabama. Dr. Anderson continued his research through post-doctoral work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also the editor of "The Journal of Cherokee Studies". Dr. Anderson received the Gustavus Myers Award for the Study of Human Rights in the U.S. for his book, "Cherokee Removal: Before and After." Also speaking on Saturday, April 23, 2005 is Anne Rogers. She will be presenting a program at 12:30 p.m. entitled, "Cherokee Ceremonial Practices in the 1800's". The Cherokee ceremonial practices were first recorded in the 1830s by John Howard Payne and later in that century by James Mooney. This presentation describes the ceremonies that were practiced during this time, and discusses various aspects of Cherokee life at that time that are still evident in their lives and culture. Included is a discussion of various dances that are still performed today as well as the tales that continue to be told in story telling sessions. Ms. Rogers is an Anthropology Professor from Western Carolina University where she specializes in archaeology and Native American studies. She has conducted archaeological research for more than 20 years in the Southern Appalachian region, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. Her research in Native American studies has focused ! on the Cherokee, both past and present. Both presentations will be held in the large conference room of Cleveland County Memorial Library. Presentations are free to the public and everyone is welcome. However to ensure adequate seating and supply of materials, a sign up sheet is available at the library and also at Broad River Genealogical Society's Archives located at 1145 County Home Road. It's not necessary to sign up, just helpful. There will be a lunch break from 11:30 to 12:30. Lunch is not provided. For further information, call Beverly Barnes at 704-482-5166 or Heather Robbins at 704-471-9197.