The Collegedale Public Library is hosting a public presentation on the Cherokee history of the area on Sunday, Oct. 23.
Titled “Where We Live and Work Today, Cherokee Children Used to Play: A Look at the Cherokee Nation,” the adult-oriented program will be taught by children’s librarian and historian Judy Luster.
After moving to the area from Memphis, Luster said she immediately became fascinated with the rich Cherokee history here.
“It’s just really fascinating to discuss,” Luster said of the time period when the Cherokee’s encounters with missionaries began, up to the Trail of Tears.
For example, she said, the name Brainerd, found all over Chattanooga, came from the Brainerd Mission, a group which served many Cherokee people across Chattanooga.