Blythe Ferry Cherokee Removal Memorial: Cherokee Removal Memorial Park marks a post where a detachment of 9,000 Native Americans camped to cross the Tennessee River during their forced removal from the area.People can learn how to research their Cherokee ancestry Saturday from a genealogist licensed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who will speak on the topic in a program at the Cherokee Removal Park at Blythe Ferry.
Anita Finger-Smith is the principal genealogist for Cherokee Genealogy Services and will speak on the topic, "Rooted to the Earth; the basics of Cherokee Genealogy," from 10 a.m. till noon on Saturday, organizers said in a news release. After a short lunch break, a presentation titled "Consultation with a cherokee Genealogists" is set for 12:30 to 4 p.m. Organizers say attendees should bring their "brick wall" research questions and be mindful of the limited amount of time to dig into their most sought-after answers.
Finger-Smith is an independent researcher focusing on Cherokee resources, manuscripts, methodology, and record analysis, organizers said. She also performs duties as genealogist to the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, and serves on the faculty at the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society, and a North Carolina delegate to the National Trail of Tears Association.