# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 07 May, 2026 at 04:30 pm (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes David Armenti (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) for the presentation 'Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family.'

This event is free of charge, and registration is not required. All are welcome to attend.

David Armenti will share genealogical research about 11 ancestors from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian community, who attended either Hampton Institute's "Indian School" (Virginia) or Carlisle Indian Industrial School (Pennsylvania). Nearly all of these individuals had multi-racial ancestry, which impacted their experiences and unique perspectives. Some ran away multiple times or endured unhealthy conditions at these off-reservation boarding schools, all saw their cultural identities evolve and took diverse paths after their time at Hampton or Carlisle. Presentation will include research supported by collections from the Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center Collections, NARA, Hampton University Archives, Museum of the Cherokee People, and Ancestry.com.

David Armenti is the Vice President of Education & Engagement at the Maryland Center for History and Culture, where he has worked since 2013. David is a Baltimore City native, who received his B.A. in American History and American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. He also holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Loyola University Maryland. Before joining MCHC, he served as a research archivist for the Maryland State Archives’ Legacy of Slavery Project, documenting historical examples of resistance among enslaved African Americans in Maryland. He specializes in bringing the state’s unique history to life, using primary source collections to guide inquiry based learning on topics including African American history, Indigenous history, and the Revolutionary War era. David currently serves on the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He is also an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 

Photo: Studio portrait of Bessie Nick, Chiltoski Nick, Minnie Nick, and Hattie Woodfin. C. 1897, Cumberland County Historical Society.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/cherokee/big-cove-to-boarding-schools-educational-journeys-of-the-nick-swayney-bird-family/200029975596008
- **Event Categories**: music, entertainment, art
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 127

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Cherokee
- **state**: NC
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC, United States, North Carolina 28719
- **lat**: 35.48439
- **long**: -83.31598
- **full address**: 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC, United States, North Carolina 28719

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/27c9560db926da72076c68e139651e80e7ba689eb128b3c5d076140d8aef789d-rimg-w1200-h675-dca9cde5-gmir?v=1776902768

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family being held?
  - **A:** Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family takes place on Thu, 07 May, 2026 at 04:30 pm to Thu, 07 May, 2026 at 04:30 pm at 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC, United States, North Carolina 28719.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family?
  - **A:** Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family is organized by The Museum of the Cherokee People.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Big Cove to Boarding Schools: Educational Journeys of the Nick-Swayney-Bird Family is ideal for music lovers, fans of all genres, and anyone who wants to celebrate the power of music - from intimate gigs and live sessions to festivals and cultural performances. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Cherokee, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 120+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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