Heather Shores, a native Roman, has been selected to become the next executive director of the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home. Shores, who succeeds the recently retired Claudia Oakes, will assume the position Jan. 17.

“I grew up in Silver Creek. Chieftains is a place that I grew up seeing and I have always loved it,” Shores said. “When the job came open I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to apply for it.”

Shores has Bachelor of Art and Master of Art degrees in history/public history from the University of West Georgia. Most recently Shores served at the Bandy Heritage Center at Dalton State College.

“What we’re trying to do is build a museum that will have a regional focus, so it will focus mostly on Northwest Georgia history.” Shores said.

She has worked in the museum field for the past 12 years, with stints at the Atlanta History Center and the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University.

I think (Chieftains) is a jewel in the crown for Rome,” Shores said.

“It needs the preservation work and it’s a chance to be a part of something important for future generations.”

Shores has taught about the Cherokee and helped arrange programs related to Cherokee history at Dalton State. She is particularly well versed on the subject of the Cherokee removal because it is something that she has taught both at Dalton State College and Kennesaw State University.

“Heather has a great diversity of experience in developing museums and programming, and maintaining collections and historic accuracy,” said Ruth Demeter, chairman of the board at Chieftains. “We look forward to our growth and development as a nationally significant historic home and property.”

Demeter said the Chieftains Museum wants to become a nationally recognized destination to experience the clash of cultures within the Cherokee Nation and between the Cherokee and both the state of Georgia and United States government.

Shores comes on board as part of the new vision for Chieftains, which will be restored to its original 1828 look in the near future. A new interpretative center at the rear of the eight-acre site is also on the drawing board.

Demeter said museum officials are making plans for new programs and initiatives that will commence during the spring to attract new audiences and expand interest in the museum.