Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home

05/30/2026

Our June Ridge Report is here! Take a quick glance at some of our upcoming events, including our second Homeschool Workshop and our Volunteer Appreciation Event!

If you're a previous volunteer for Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home from ANY event, program, or event just daily operations, please RSVP for our appreciation event to [email protected] by Tuesday, June 9th. We will be providing snacks, refreshments, and even a chilly dessert!

We also have some new, wonderful interns at the museum! Come by Thursdays or Fridays to meet and get to know our interns: Hunter, Maddox, and Grady!

05/30/2026

We will be offering FREE admission to all Paddle Georgia 2026 Participants on June 20th from 10 AM to 4 PM! Dry off and enjoy some air conditioning while learning about some of Rome's history at Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home!

05/29/2026

Our second Homeschool Workshop is next Wednesday, June 3rd as a drop in from 10 AM to 4 PM! This workshop is all about Weaving and Beading, featuring age-adaptable activities like finger weaving, clay bead making, and paper weaving. Come learn about Cherokee weaving, practice fine motor skills, and express your creativity!

For information regarding GA Standards with each activity, please visit the workshop on the events page of our website.

Adults $5
College students and seniors (62+) $3
Students K-12 $2
Kids 4 & Under FREE
Members FREE

05/28/2026

On this day, May 28th in 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law. This congressional act authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes across the southeastern United States. This act was highly controversial, even at the time of signing and the opposition included men such as Davy Crockett. The Indian Removal Act led to the forced removal of Native Americans across the country but with an emphasis on the tribes in the south east.
gastateparks.org/NewEchota

05/26/2026

Looking for a meaningful and engaging group experience? Bring your group to Chieftains Museum!

We welcome senior citizen groups, school field trips, homeschool groups, scout troops, church groups, and more to explore the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people at the historic Major Ridge Home. Guided tours offer an educational and memorable experience for all ages, with opportunities to connect with local history through exhibits, stories, and hands-on learning.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or looking for an educational outing, we’d love to host your group! To schedule a tour or learn more, contact us today at (762) 327-6124 or email [email protected].

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

190 years ago on this day in , the Treaty of New Echota was ratified by the U.S. government.

The Treaty of New Echota was a negotiation between the U.S. government and an unauthorized faction of Cherokees, known as the “Treaty Party.” The treaty included ceding away Cherokee land east of the Mississippi River in exchange for compensation and was used as the legal basis for the Cherokees’ forced removal from their ancestral homelands to present-day Oklahoma, on what became known as the Trail of Tears.

Although the treaty was not negotiated or approved by the legal representatives of the Cherokee Nation, including the Cherokee National Council or Principal Chief John Ross, it passed the U.S. Senate by just a single vote.

The terms of the Treaty of New Echota were brought forward by the Treaty of 1866, and subsequent agreements, to the extent it was not inconsistent with those final and binding treaties between Cherokee Nation and the United States.

📺 Learn more about the Treaty of New Echota in this OsiyoTV Cherokee Almanac: https://youtu.be/9LW-PgCltoE?si=rLzaxNxQg4TlhXkR

05/23/2026

Spread the word to all museum volunteers to join us for this event!🎉 Please RSVP by June 9th by calling the museum at (762) 327-6124 or emailing us at [email protected].

05/21/2026

Rain or shine, STEAM Saturday: Pollinators and Our Garden is still open! It will be open from 10 AM to 2 PM inside the museum. Small snacks and waters will be provided for guests, and all crafts are available to take home! We hope to see you there!

05/20/2026

Our next STEAM Saturday is THIS WEEKEND, May 23rd, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is a drop in event, meaning you can show up at any time in the time block and stay as long as you would like!

This STEAM Saturday is about pollinators and our garden! Kids of all ages can learn about pollination, create their own pollinator finger puppets, and learn about our garden! We will also have a table for a couple of our Master Gardener volunteers to give detailed information about the Master Gardener extension program and the demonstration garden! We hope to see you there!

Adults $5
College students and seniors (62+) $3
Students K-12 $2
4 & Under FREE
Members FREE