Our members are the heart of Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home. Your support helps us care for this historic house and its grounds, preserve our collections, and share the stories of the Ridge family and the Cherokee people with our community and future generations.

Preserving a historic site takes ongoing care, resources, and community support. As a private nonprofit, we rely on our members, donors, volunteers, and supporters to help sustain this important work. Every member is a Keeper of Chieftains. Your membership is more than a contribution; it is an investment in the future of Chieftains Museum.

Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future

Memberships & Benefits at Chieftains Museum

All museum members receive unlimited free admission, a 10% discount in the museum store, a subscription to our quarterly electronic newsletter, and email alerts about upcoming events and exhibits. Most importantly, your membership helps ensure that this historic home, its grounds, and the stories connected to it will continue to be preserved, shared, and experienced for generations to come. Thank you for being a Keeper of Chieftains and helping us protect this important piece of history!

Student - $25

  • One student with valid ID

Family - $75

  • Two adults + children/ grandchildren under 18

Individual - $45

  • One adult

Preservation Society

Become a member of the Preservation Society and play a greater role in protecting the legacy of Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home. With an annual contribution of $100 or more, you help preserve this historic property, care for our collections and grounds, and support the educational programs, exhibits, and events that bring history to life.

Preservation Society members receive all Family Membership benefits, along with special recognition and opportunities to engage more deeply with the museum. With giving levels to fit your desired contribution, you can make a meaningful difference in the future of Chieftains Museum.

Join the Preservation Society and become a Keeper of Chieftains. Your support helps protect our shared history and ensures that this important place remains a resource for education, discovery, and preservation for generations to come. Once your membership is processed, you will receive a discount code located in the letter we send out in the mail that will allow you to order your engraved brick at a discounted/complementary rate.

Chieftains Guardian $100-499

All family membership benefits, plus:

  • Time Travelers reciprocal museum benefits

  • 10% discount on engraved brick

  • Early access to select programs/events

  • Invitation to special, members only events

Chieftains Advocate $500-999

All membership benefits for previous tiers, plus:

Chieftains Partner $1,000-2,000

All previous benefits, plus:

Chieftains Steward $2,500+

All previous benefits, plus:

  • Complementary use of rental facilities

  • Prominent recognition in annual donor listing, with anonymous option

Preservation Society memberships offer giving ranges, allowing you to choose the contribution amount that works best for you within your selected level. The amount shown is only a suggestion, and you can enter your desired contribution in the amount box.

At checkout, you may choose to cover processing fees to help the museum receive your full contribution. Givebutter also automatically adds a 15% optional tip. If you do not wish to tip Givebutter, be sure to change the optional tip amount to $0 before completing your payment.

Museum Partners