Cherokee County Historical Museum Celebrates Expansion in Historic Carnegie Library Building

Press Release

The Cherokee County Historical Museum has officially completed a major expansion, now occupying the full footprint of the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy, a space that has served the community for generations as a library, municipal facility, and museum.

The expansion includes the renovation and integration of the building’s remaining half, most recently used by the Murphy Police Department, creating a unified museum experience that honors both the structure’s past and the region’s deep historical roots.

Originally constructed as a Carnegie Library, the building housed Murphy’s public library for decades before transitioning into shared use for civic functions, including law enforcement offices and museum space. With this project now complete, the museum has fully reclaimed the building, restoring its identity as a center for education, preservation, and genealogical research.

This expansion represents more than additional space—it allows us to more fully tell the story of Cherokee County and its people. The building itself is part of that story.

The museum is widely recognized for its extensive and diverse collections, which document both Native American heritage and early Appalachian life. Among its most notable holdings are more than 2,000 Cherokee artifacts collected over decades, along with interpretive exhibits that explore Cherokee history, culture, and traditions.

Visitors can also experience:

    • A replica Cherokee log dwelling representing life during the 1830s removal era

    • Exhibits on the Trail of Tears and the region’s role as the site of Fort Butler

    • Antique farm tools and handmade household items from early settlers

    • A variety of textiles, clothing, and jewelry

    • Displays of minerals, tools, books, and regional artifacts spanning generations

• Exhibit of Native American craftsmanship of pottery, baskets and Jewelry

The museum is designated as an official interpretive site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, a distinction granted through the National Park Services. This recognition underscores the site’s importance in preserving and interpreting the history of the Cherokee people, particularly during the forced removal of the 1830s. The museum continues to serve as a vital cultural resource, connecting residents and visitors alike to the layered history of the region—from its earliest Indigenous inhabitants to pioneer settlers and modern-day communities.

The museum was formed in 1977 by a group of residents, business owners, educators and town and county officials whose main purpose was to preserve and share the history of Cherokee County. The first collections were from Herman West who had bought the Arthur Palmer collection and the museum has been growing since.

The Cherokee County Historical Museum council along with Terrisa Carringer, Museum Director would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Murphy Town Council, Chad Simons, Murphy Town Manager, Mayor Tim Radford, Murphy TDA, EBCI and those who have made private donations for helping to make this vision possible. Contractor Malcolm Griffiths and crew worked from September 2025 till February 2026 provided their services to make the museum a more accessible and interesting destination. The council and director would also like to express their gratitude to the Cherokee County IT Dept., county maintenance and town maintenance for their assistance and willingness to help with projects.

Serving on the council is President- Trevis Hicks, Silas Shields-Secretary/Treasurer, Billy Ray Palmer, Historian, Glenda Fisher EBCI member, Walt Shattuck, Historian and Terrisa Carringer, Museum Director.

 As museum director I would like to say it has been an amazing experience working with everyone listed. I am very fortunate with all the support and encouragement I have had throughout this whole project. A special “Thank You” to the museum council for allowing me to make the changes and upgrade our facility for a better experience for our patrons.

Community members and visitors are encouraged to explore the newly expanded space and rediscover the stories that have shaped Cherokee County. The Museum is located at 87 Peachtree Street, Muphy, NC. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Cost is $5.00 adult admission and $2.00 for students age 7-17.

Museum council invites the community to their Open House to celebrate our new renovations on Friday, May 1st, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.