Written by Ava Nessell

Rays of sunlight beam through onto the glass display cases illuminating the relics of history that lay just behind the glass. Laughter echoes down the hallway as members of the Rotary Club of Cleveland catch up before a meeting. It’s just a day at the office for Lucy K. Rhymer, executive director at the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points. 

5ive Points is committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. As a great cultural center, its goal is to engage young people in art and history. The museum aims to have something for every member of the community regardless of age, gender, or race.

“I would say we try to appeal to all ages of people and in all socioeconomic levels,” Rhymer said. “We don’t want to be just a place for upper class, highly educated people to come and be bougie together.” 

The museum houses club meetings in its cultural center auditorium where a large portion of its programming events are held. The center provides the community with a gathering place that is diverse and inclusive.

“We’re also an arts organization, ​​which is kind of unique that you have a history museum that is an arts organization,” Rhymer said. 

Through its rotating exhibits, 5ive Points highlights local artists, but also explores a variety of unique art forms. Annually, the museum hosts a quilt gallery accompanied by lectures and classes to preserve the art of quilt making. The center also hosts a concert series to bring unique cultures to the small town of Cleveland.

The museum is even welcoming a “sneakerhead” exhibit to cater to younger generations’ interests. 

5ive Points also aids the community through its educational programs. These educational programs are also mobile to go to local schools. 

“Our educational programs are the most important thing we offer the community,” Debra Watkins, curator at Musuem and Cultural Center at 5ive Points, said. “We offer the community edu-tainment.”

Within the museum’s permanent exhibit, The River of Time, are children’s readings and even puzzle activities. They strive to provide an accessible education and entertainment to the community, free of charge so financial restraints do not bar the community from experiencing the Ocoee History. 

The permanent exhibit tells the history of the Ocoee region from the Native Americans’ ancient communities here to the 1996 Olympic whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. The exhibit aims to tells history from long before the white man came to America all the way to a modern era. 

The story of the Ocoee region cannot be told without the indigenous people. The cultural center side of 5ive Points hosts events to bring first-hand knowledge from members of the Cherokee Nation. 

Partnered with the American Indian Movement and members of both the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations, the center hosts programs to educate the community on the story of the Ocoee region from the indigenous people’s perspective. 

With its rich blend of history, art, and culture, the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points stands as a beacon of community engagement in Cleveland. By preserving local heritage, amplifying indigenous voices, and offering diverse programming for all ages, the center bridges the gap between education and entertainment. 

As laughter and conversation fill its halls, the museum’s mission to unite the community through shared stories and creative expression shines brightly like the sun through its windows—a testament to the power of history and culture to connect people across generations and backgrounds.

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