Pewter Coin Commemorating Return of Creek Council House Front bears the Great seal of the Muscogee Nation Back has the Creek Council House and the date, November 20, 2010 Silver Dollar size
From the Muscogee (Creek) Nation website:
Creek-Seminole Artist Designs Historic Coin
The historic date of November 20, 2010 marked the transfer of ownership of the Creek Council House back to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation from the City of Okmulgee. Many memorable speeches, thoughts, and greetings were given that day. One unique item that will commemorate the day is this special coin created just for the occasion.
Mvskoke-Seminole Metalsmith Kenneth Johnson was asked to create this unique item.. "It's an honor to do this," said Johnson, "I want this commemorative coin to capture the importance of the event ."
Johnson, who now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma and has had his silver work shown all over the world and is now planning how the unique coin, which will be sterling silver, will be designed. "One side of the coin will have the Creek Council House," says Johnson, "and the other will feature the Tribal Seal." The coin, which will be the size of a silver dollar will also have the name of the Chief, elected officials and National Council representatives separately, depending on the district. Johnson will also make coins in the same design in an affordable metal that will be available to the public.
The coin will also include the artist's name and the date of November 20, 2010.
Creek Council House Time Line
1878: The Muscogee (Creek) Council meets for the first time in the new Council House in Okmulgee, Okla. It replaced the former capitol building, as two-story log structure.
1907: The Council House is leased to Okmulgee County for $2,000 a year to be used as the Okmulgee County Courthouse.
1919: City of Okmulgee purchases the Council House and grounds under the supervision of the U. S. Department of Interior, which was authorized to take possession of all tribal lands.
1923: The Creek Indian Memorial Association, the predecessor of the Creek Council House Museum, is formed.
1930s-1960s: The Council House houses several groups and organizations, including the Okmulgee County Sheriff's Office, Boy Scouts, YMCA and Creek Indian Memorial Association.
1971: Council House becomes a Muscogee (Creek) Museum full-time.
1992: $1 million restoration of the Council House is completed.
2010: The City of Okmulgee sells back the Council House and grounds to the tribe for $3.2 million.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens have cause to celebrate as the historic return of the Creek Council House and grounds were officially recognized by both Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief A.D. Ellis and Okmulgee Mayor Brian Priegel Sat., Nov. 20, 2010 in Okmulgee, Okla., along with the dignitaries and citizens in attendance.
|
