I have something that I think is historic. How old is it? What’s it worth?
The Museum of the Cherokee does not perform identifications, authentications, or valuations. You can find a certified appraiser at the American Society of Appraisers. An auction resource like Christie’s or Sotheby’s – or even an online auction site like eBay can help you learn more about the value of your object. In regards to archaeological artifacts, the Museum of the Cherokee condemns the buying, selling, looting, and trafficking of illegally obtained antiquities. We therefore will not assist in the identification or authentication of any object we may have reason to believe may have been acquired or transferred in contravention of applicable law or current professional ethical standards. If you find an archaeological artifact in the field, please do not disturb the artifact in any way. Please contact the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO), or your local State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in the state where the object was found. Removing archaeological objects from the context in which they were found does irreparable damage to Indigenous communities and the archaeological site where the object was found.
How do I donate objects to the Museum of the Cherokee?
We appreciate your interest in donating to the Museum and are happy to review the object with a staff member to determine if the object fits our collection policies. Please email a digital image of the object, and a detailed email describing the object to the Manager of Collections at cammie.bello@mci.org. The Museum of the Cherokee Collections Committee will then determine if the object fits within the collections scope of the museum. According to our policy, the Museum will collect objects and archival materials that directly pertain to the history and living culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), and it’s sister tribes, the Cherokee Nation (CN), and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB). Objects and archival materials made or created by enrolled tribal citizens of the EBCI, CN, and UKB will be prioritized for acquisitions. Please do not bring donations to the Museum unless you have a scheduled appointment with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions prior to your visit.