The museum of the cherokee people, on behalf of the eastern band of cherokee indians, will conserve seven key objects in its collection that are in need of stabilization

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians received a $142,400 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program (CFDA 45.308), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The award supports the conservation and stabilization of seven culturally and historically significant objects from the Museum of the Cherokee People's collection, including baskets, clothing, and pottery that require immediate treatment to prevent further deterioration. Grant funds will be directed toward contracts with specialized conservators to ensure these artifacts are preserved to the highest professional standards.

This project aligns with the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program's primary objectives of supporting collections management and care within tribal institutions. By engaging qualified conservation professionals, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will preserve irreplaceable cultural materials for current and future museum visitors while building the tribe's institutional capacity in collections stewardship—a key focus area of the IMLS program. The two-year performance period allows sufficient time for thorough conservation work on these priority objects.

The objects that have been selected for conservation are those in most immediate danger of rapid deterioration and timely treatment will prevent further damage. They include historic and culturally significant baskets, clothing, and pottery. Grant funds will support contracts with specialized conservators to ensure the objects are treated with the highest standards and preserved for the benefit of current and future museum visitors.