Sunrise to Storytime:
My Journey as a Cherokee Storyteller

When the Gilcrease Museum launched its powerful exhibition, After Removal: Rebuilding the Cherokee Nation, they set out to tell a sweeping story—one of resilience, rebuilding, and the lived experiences of the Cherokee people in the 19th century. My role? To bring one part of that story to life in a way that children (and adults) could feel in their bones.

I was handed a trove of historical content—rich, complex, and deeply moving. But instead of simply organizing facts, I saw an opportunity to illuminate lives. I envisioned an interactive multimedia experience where visitors could walk through the day as a Cherokee child in seminary school, choosing to explore the world through the eyes of a boy or a girl.

Using Flash, Illustrator, and Photoshop, I designed two distinct paths—each one rooted in historical accuracy and emotional resonance. Whether learning scripture or agriculture, sewing or arithmetic, each child’s day became a story waiting to be discovered.

We installed the final programs on four touchscreen stations within the exhibit space. These weren’t just digital interfaces—they were portals. I watched as visitors tapped, explored, and connected. The past wasn’t behind glass anymore—it was alive, responsive, and personal.

This project was more than design. It was storytelling with soul. And it was my honor to help shape a moment where history could speak—and be heard.