NSU archivist to speak about time capsule

Northeastern State University began in 1846, when the Cherokee Nation Council authorized the building of the Cherokee national seminaries at Park Hill in Tahlequah.

The Cherokee National Male Seminary opened May 6, 1851, and the Cherokee National Female Seminary opened the next day to fulfill the terms of the Treaty of 1835 between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. The treaty stipulated that public and higher education be provided for the Cherokees.

When the Cherokee National Female Seminary burned to the ground on Easter 1887, the Cherokee council chose to rebuild on a 40-acre site north of Tahlequah. The new female seminary was dedicated May 7, 1889, and is now Seminary Hall, the centerpiece of the university's campus.

On March 6, 1909, the state Legislature passed an act to create Northeastern State Normal School at Tahlequah and to authorize buying the Cherokee National Female Seminary and surrounding Cherokee land. In 1919, the name was changed to Northeastern State Teachers College. The name changed again to Northeastern State College in 1939 and to Northeastern Oklahoma State University in 1974.

Wilma Mankiller, first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, noted that the Cherokee seminaries in Oklahoma were among the first educational institutions built west of the Mississippi River.

Victoria Sheffler, Northeastern State University archivist, will present a program titled "The Cherokee National Female Seminary Time Capsule” at the Oklahoma Genealogical Society meeting, 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Chesapeake Events Center at Oklahoma History Center, 2401 N Laird Ave.

The time capsule, removed from the cornerstone of the female seminary after it burned, was opened in 1989 and contained 100 items including materials printed in four languages: Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw and English. Sheffler will describe what happened to the capsule, the condition of the papers when the capsule was opened and information that can be learned from the papers.

The history center's genealogy library will be open until 7:45 p.m. Society volunteers will be available at 5 p.m. to assist genealogy researchers. For more information, e-mail okgensoc@aol.com or call 286-1190.

Phyllis Davidson, librarian for the Oklahoma Metropolitan Library, will present "How to Write Your Personal and Family History” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave.

The Oklahoma Centennial year presents an excellent opportunity to reflect on one's life and begin writing a personal and family history.

Davidson will provide information to help with planning before starting the writing process.

She will demonstrate how to use timelines, lists and photos to help you remember details about family members and events. Organizational options, writing tips and encouragement will be provided.

To register, call 606-3856.

If you have a question, event, idea or an experience you wish to share, e-mail Sharon Burns at sburns@oklahoman.com.