Oklahoma History Museums

Alfalfa County Museum

117 West Main

Cherokee, OK.

Originally a 4 story hotel built in 1929 and in operation until 1980.  Still the tallest building in Alfalfa County today, it is a museum where you can step back in time to earlier days in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

Sod House Museum

An original sod house (soddy) built in 1894 by homesteader, Marshal McCully.  Located near Aline, OK on State Highway 8.

T. B. Ferguson House

[History and Photos]   [Watonga Main Street Tour]

Home to Oklahoma's 6th territorial governor, the house was built in 1907.  Today, it serves as a museum.  Located at 519 N. Weigle, Watonga, OK.

Fort Washita Historic Site

[Virtual Tour]  [History]

Established in 1842 to protect the Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians from the Plains Indians, the fort was occupied by the Confederacy during the Civil War and later used by the Chickasaw Nation leaders.  Today it is a National Historic Landmark and the ruins still stand guard at 3348 State Road 199 in Durant, OK.

Indian Territory Museum

Focus is on the history of Caddo, OK.  Located at 110 Buffalo (SH-22) in Caddo, OK.

Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum

Featuring not only an enormous collection of Gene Autry memorabilia, the museum also houses collections of Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Tex Ritter and other well known cowboys from the bygone days of the musical Westerns of the 1930s and 1940s.  Located in an old school building in Gene Autry, Oklahoma.

Healdton Oil Museum

Learn about the historic oil boom of the early 1900s through artifacts and historical photos.  Located at 315 E. Main Street in Healdton, OK.

Wilson Historical Museum  [History of Wilson]

Housed inside the 1926 Dr. Darling / Wilson Post-Democrat building, this Museum, which opened in 2001, focuses on Wilson and the surrounding (largely oilfield) communities that arose as a result of the oil boom in southern Oklahoma in 1914. The Museum has pictures, artifacts and a wide variety of genealogical information from the region. Included in our collections are copies of all Wilson newspapers in existence and an ever-expanding collection of obituaries from the region that currently number over 6,300 listings.  A genealogy library is available on the site.  Located at 1270 8th Street in Wilson, OK.

Adams Corner Rural Village

A living history museum, the village is designed to represent a typical rural area in Indian Territory in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  You will find restored buildings dating in the 1875-1890 time period.  The historic buildings include a Stilwell log cabin, the frontier home of Samantha Bain Lucas, and a church.  The rest are replications.  A visit to the village offers insight into the way people lived in the late 1800s in Indian Territory.

Cherokee National Museum   [Trail of Tears Exhibit]

The museum was built in the style of a Cherokee dwelling and houses exhibits related to the history of the Cherokee people including the Trail of Tears exhibit and a genealogy center.  Located in Tahlequah, OK.

George M. Murrell House

[History]  [Virtual Tour]  [Murrell Family]

Upon the forced removal of the Cherokee people to Indian Territory (Trail of Tears) in 1838, George Michael Murrell moved with his wife's family and built the home known as Hunter's Home".  Today the site is operated as a museum and is located at 19479 E. Murrell Home Road in Park Hill, OK.

Tsa La Gi Ancient Village  [History & Photos]

Replication of a traditional Cherokee community prior to European contact and the forced removal to Indian Territory, OK.  Learn about the history of the great Cherokee people.

Fort Towson Historic Site

Fort Towson was in operation from the 1820s through the 1840s and was used by the Confederate Army during the Civil War.  Located in what was at one time the largest town in the Choctaw Nation (Doaksville).

Cimarron Heritage Center

Route 66 Museum

The Western Plains Weatherford Genealogical Society and Western Oklahoma Historical Center

[Families of Custer County] 

[Blair Log Cabin History]  [Blair Log Cabin Photos]

The society maintains the historical Blair one room log cabin located across the street from the Weatherford Post Office and the Cedar Schoolhouse, a one room school next to the research center where they maintain rotating exhibits including the Early School Days exhibit and Military Uniforms.  The society preserves and provides access to many genealogical and family history resources in the Research Center.  The Western Oklahoma Historical Center Inc. is located at 520 West Main in Weatherford, OK.

Shattuck Windmill Museum

4 acres of 1850s-1950s rare and restored water pumping windmills.  Located at the junction of State Hwy 15 and U.S. Hwy 283 in Shattuck, OK.

The Eskridge Hotel was built by Pinckney Reid Eskridge in 1907, the same year that Oklahoma gained statehood. Mr. Eskridge constructed the three story brick hotel with lathe and plaster interior walls, tall ceilings, door transoms, a dining room, kitchen, lobby and sleeping rooms. In 1973, the Wynnewood Historical society transformed the hotel into a museum to help preserve its deep history. Now as a museum, the Eskridge Hotel's 1907 elegant charm still remains, with its porches extending over the sidewalk and its benches at the entrance retained. Not all of the original items from the Eskridge Hotel remain, but the items it holds tell a story from a past long ago.  Located at 114 E. Robert S. Kerr Blvd in Wynnewood, OK.

Jackson County War Memorial

The memorial commemorates the victims of war and is located in Kiwanis Park, next to the Museum of the Western Prairie.

Museum of The Western Prairie

Learn about the history of Southwest Oklahoma through dioramas and displays.  Housed within the museum is the Bernice Ford - Price Memorial Reference Library which has a large collection of historical material and photographs related to Altus and the surrounding area.    Located at 1100 N. Memorial Drive, Altus, OK.

Chickasaw Council House Museum

Known as the first Chickasaw Council House built in IT (Indian Territory), the building now holds artifacts tracing the culture and history of the Chickasaw people.  Located at 209 North Fisher in Tishomingo, OK.

Chickasaw White House

Built in 1898, it was home to Chickasaw Governor Daniel Hancock Johnston.  The "white house" holds much history of the Chickasaw people and Indian Territory.

Historic Tour of Ponca City

Marland Mansion   [Virtual Tour]

Marland's Grand Home / Indian Museum / DAR Museum

Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum

Poncan Theatre

Standing Bear Statue and Memorial Park

This majestic bronze statue of Ponca Chief "Standing Bear" is a monument to all Native Americans.  The 63 acre park features a museum devoted to tribal displays, artwork and items related to our Native American heritage.  Located at the intersection of US Hwy 60, US Hwy 77 and US Hwy 177 in Ponca City, OK.

Chisholm Trail Museum at Kingfisher

Focused on the collection and preservation of artifacts from the historical Chisholm Cattle Trail along with farming, ranching and American Indian culture, the museum also features several historical buildings which have been moved to the site and preserved.  These include a bank, school house, and the Dalton Boys Cabin.  Located at 605 Zellers Avenue in Kingfisher, OK.

Governor Seay Mansion

Built in 1892, the 3 story mansion was home to Governor Seay, the second Territorial Governor of Oklahoma.  Known as "Horizon Hill", the mansion contains authentic period furnishings and is available for tours.  Located in the museum complex at 605 Zellers Avenue in Kingfisher, OK.

Peter Conser House   [Photos, History and Info]

Erected in 1894 the house was home to the Choctaw leader of the Lighthorsemen Law Enforcement Agency, Peter Conser.  The furnishings and artifacts inside are from the 1894-1910 time period and give visitors an idea of what it was like to live in this area during that time period.  The home remained in the possession of descendants until 1967 when it was donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society.  The Peter Conser House is located 4 miles south and 31/2 miles west of Heavener, OK at 47114 Conser Creek Road.

Spiro Mounds Archaeological Park   [History and Photos]

Dedicated to the history of Frontier County, OK, the museum offers exhibits related to history of this area of Oklahoma and historic buildings are being restored.  Located at 500 N. Grand Street in Crescent, OK.

Oklahoma State Capitol Publishing Museum

Constructed in 1902, it is the largest historical printing house in the United States and once housed the State Capital newspaper.  Later it became the Co-Operative Publishing Company.  The museum features the history of printing and architecture in Oklahoma.  Located at 301 W. Harrison in Guthrie, OK.

Oklahoma Territorial Museum

Focused on the history of Oklahoma during it's territorial period, the museum holds artifacts, documents and other items directly related to the Territorial history of Oklahoma.  Featuring exhibits about statehood, land runs, homesteading and the territorial government, the museum is housed in a complex of three buildings in historic downtown Guthrie, OK.   A research library is available to patrons and features many files, books, and collections related to the local history of Guthrie, Logan County and Oklahoma.  Address is 406 E. Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, OK.

Devoted to the preservation of history and genealogy in Marshall County, the museum features artifacts, historical documents, photos and other memorabilia related to the county's history.  Located at 400 W. Overton #3 in Madill, OK.

Devoted to the history of early life in the Three Rivers area of Oklahoma, a recreated trading post and flatboat offer a glimpse into life at an early trading post and features exhibits of Chouteau family items, native American artifacts and other relics related to the fur trade.  Located at 420 E. Ferry in Salina, OK.

Coo-Y-Yah Museum

The name itself means "place of the huckleberries".  Housed inside the old Katy Railroad Depot, the history of the Cherokee and Osage Indians is featured through exhibits and artifacts.  Located at 847 S. Mill in Pryor, OK.

Featuring 11 rooms of pioneer artifacts and antiques, an historical photo collection and genealogical information on families of McClain County, the museum is located at 900 N. Canadian in Purcell, OK.

The museum features archaeological artifacts of the Caddo and Choctaw Indians, Pre-Columbian objects from Middle and South America and native arts and crafts of the Americas.  See the skeletal reproduction of the dinosaur discovered in McCurtain County.  Located at 812 E. Lincoln Road in Idabel, OK.

Erected in 1890, the Railroad Depot is one of the oldest surviving wooden train stations.  The station was moved in 1985, restored and now serves as a museum and tourist information center.  The museum features artifacts and displays related to the railroad, Checotah pioneers, cowboys, Indians and the Civil War Battle at Honey Springs.  Located on Paul Carr Drive in Checotah, OK.

Honey Springs Battlefield 

Fought on July 17, 1863, there were many deaths on both the Union and Confederate sides.  Confederate dead are still there in unmarked graves.  The 3000 acre battle site remains today much as it appeared during the Civil War.  Visitors can visit the battle site by auto or walk the battlefield on two miles of interpreted walking trails.  Be sure to visit the Interpretive Center to learn more about this significant battle in Civil War history.  Located off of US Hwy 69 at 1863 Honey Springs Battlefield Road in Rentiesville, OK.

Fort Gibson Historic Site

[History of Ft. Gibson]  [Photos]

Built in 1824, the fort was used during the Indian Removal Period and again during the Civil War and the reconstruction era, then abandoned in 1890.  The log fort and many of the original buildings have been reconstructed and offer visitors insight into the way things were on the early Oklahoma frontier.  The Garret Home which was built in 1867 is also part of Fort Gibson.  Located at 907 N. Garrison in Fort Gibson, OK.

Historic Homes of Muskogee

Three Rivers Museum

Housed inside the old Midland Valley Railroad Depot, the museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the Three Rivers are of Eastern Oklahoma.  Located at 220 Elgin in Muskogee, OK.

Operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, the museum provides insight into the Cherokee Strip Land Runs through historical exhibits and photos.  Located at 2617 West Fir Avenue in Perry, OK.

Housed inside the old Nowata Clinic, the 24 room history museum features exhibits related to the Cherokee and Delaware Indian Tribes, cowboys and cowgirls of yesteryear, war history, the oil boom and much more.  Located at 121 S. Pine in Nowata, OK.

Henry Overholser Historic Mansion

[About Overholser Mansion and the Overholser Family]

This 1903 Victorian mansion was home to Civil Leader Henry Overholser and features English carpets, French stained glass, and Antwerp fine oak paneling.  Visitors will delight in 3 stories of original furnishings and fixtures, making the days of yesteryear spring to life.  Tours are offered to the public but visitors are advised to call ahead at 405-525-5325.  Located at 405 NW 15 Street in Oklahoma City, OK.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Oklahoma History Center   [Exhibits]

Previously known as the Oklahoma State Museum of History, the museum features exhibits, artifacts and relics related to the rich heritage of Oklahoma. and offers many unique ways to experience the history of this great state.  Also housed is the Research Division of the Oklahoma Historical Society where books, archival materials and family research records are stored where visitors can research their family tree.  Located at 2401 N. Laird Avenue in Oklahoma City, OK.

Creek Council House Museum 

Built in 1878, the Council House served as the Capitol to the Creek Nation.  Today it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about Native American history.  Located at 106 W. 6th Street in Okmulgee, OK.

Fred Drummond Historic House

Built in 1905, the 3 story Victorian style house was home to Fred and Addie Drummond, successful ranchers.  Located at 305 N. Price Avenue in Hominy, OK.

Osage County Historical Museum

Osage Round House

Osage Nation Tribal Museum

The museum is housed in an 1872 chapel, schoolhouse and dormitory.  Started in 1938, it is the oldest tribally-owned museum in the U.S.  The collection contains over 6000 objects related to the history of the Osage Tribe.  Located on the Osage Nation Campus at 819 Grandview Avenue in Pawhuska, OK.

Originally a vaudeville theater and movie palace built in 1929, the historic structure has been restored to the original style including a Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ.  Today, visitors can enjoy ballet, theatrical performances, receptions, conferences and silent movies.  Located at 103 N. Main Street in Miami, OK.

Dobson Memorial Center

The complex features the Dobson House, Dobson Museum and formal gardens.  Museum collections include Indian artifacts, china, glassware, a toothpick holder collection, mining exhibits and other memorabilia.  The Research Center is open during regular museum hours and patrons may perform their own research or hire the staff to do lookups.  Located at 110 A Southwest in Miami, OK.

Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum

Built in 1910, the home has been left as it was when Pawnee Bill died.  There is a 1926 3 story barn on the property along with a log cabin and the museum building displaying artifacts from the wild west shows and exhibits related to the life of Pawnee Bill.  Buffalo and longhorns graze the pastures around the property.  Pawnee Bills Wild West Show is purported to be a faithful adaptation of the original Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show and is performed at the Pawnee Bill Ranch site.  Located in Pawnee, OK.

Book Pick: Pawnee Bill's Wild West

Pawnee County Historical Society & Museum

Focused on the history of Pawnee County, the museum features artifacts and documents related to the history of Pawnee County, Oklahoma.  Call for hours: 918-762-4681.  Located on the west side of the Panwee County Courthouse Square at 513 6th Street in Pawnee, OK.

White Hair Memorial

Jim Thorpe Historic Home

Once home to Sac and Fox Indian Jim Thorpe, the 1912 Olympic Gold Medal winner of both the decathlon and pentathlon.   The historic home features displays of items belonging to Jim and his family.  Located at 706 E. Boston in Yale, OK.

Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education

Recently moved from the Old Central into the Oklahoma History Center, the museum collection features exhibits and information about the evolvement of education in Oklahoma.  Located at 2401 North Laird Avenue in Oklahoma City on the third floor.

The Sheerar Museum

Featuring exhibits and artifacts related to the history of Stillwater and Payne County Schools, the museum also houses a200 seat auditorium which is available for special events.  Located at 702 Duncan Street in Stillwater, OK.

Washington Irving Trail Museum  [Virtual Tour]

Focused on the history of early Oklahoma people, places and events.  Location is 3918 South Mehan Road in Ripley, OK.

[History]   [Historical Photographs]

The Krebs Historical Society assists in the operation of the museum which is devoted to the preservation and display of the history of the immigrants, Native Americans and all peoples who lived in and shaped the history of Krebs.  Located at 85 South Main Street, Krebs, OK.

Cheyenne Santa Fe Railroad Depot Museum

Historic Sites and Museums in Roger Mills County

Kendall Log Cabin Home

Metcalfe Museum

Minnie Slief Community Museum of History

Pioneer Museum

Roll One Room Schoolhouse Museum

Washita National Battlefield Site   [History and Info]

With construction completed in 1907, the Victorian mansion was home to the John M. Bayless family and features 3 stories of lovely period furnishings.  It is available for tours and rental.  Located at 121 N. Chickasaw in Claremore, OK.

Hotel Will Rogers

Originally built in 1930, the grand old hotel has been completely renovated and the lobby and ballroom is open to the public and guided tours are offered.  Rental is available for special events and weddings.  Located at 524 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (Route 66) in Claremore, OK.

J. M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

Known as home to the largest private gun collection in the world, the museum also features collections of knives, steins, statuary, Indian relics, WWI Artifacts and other memorabilia.  Located at 333 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. in Claremore, OK.

Will Rogers Memorial

Built of local limestone, the memorial museum was completed in 1938 and features Will Rogers artifacts and memorabilia, an enormous collection of western art, the Rogers family tomb, 3 theaters, a children's museum, a research library and more.  Located at 1720 W. Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore, OK.

Sequoyah's Cabin

Erected in 1829 by Sequoyah, well known for his invention of the Cherokee syllabary (alphabet), thereby beginning a standard for higher education among the Five Civilized Tribes.  The cabin has been well preserved and features relics and documents related to the life and times of Sequoyah.  Located in Sallisaw, OK.

Seminole Nation Museum   [Virtual Tour]

Dedicated to preserving the history of the Seminole Nation and telling the story of the Freedmen, early pioneers and the oil boom history of the Seminoles in Oklahoma.  Located in Wewoka, the capital of the Seminole Nation in Indian Territory.

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

[Exhibit Gallery]

Visitors are invited to live the adventures of the Chisholm Trail through exhibits, movies, art and artifacts.  Featuring the largest monument to the Chisholm Trail in America, the museum is focused on the history of the Chisholm Trail and it's impact on America.  Located at 1000 N. Chisholm Trail Parkway in Duncan, OK.

Fort Sill Historic Landmark and Museum  [History & Photos]

Focus is on the historical and education for military and civilian personnel and the general public on all aspects of the history of Fort Sill.  Located at 437 Quanah Road in Fort Sill, OK.

Museum of The Great Plains   [Exhibits]

Visitors will find Native American artifacts, a trading post, the Blue Beaver Schoolhouse, an agricultural shed with antique tools and implements and an amphitheater.  Located at 601 NW Ferris Avenue in Lawton, OK.

Stephens County Historical Museum

Housed inside the old National Guard Armory building, the museum offers artifacts, displays and memorabilia depicting pioneer life in Oklahoma.  The museum holds a large collection of photographs dating back to 1892.  Located at 301 N. 8th Street in Duncan, OK.

The museum chronicles the history of settlement in the Oklahoma panhandle, once known as "No Man's Land".  Located at 207 W. Sewell in Goodwell, OK.

Philbrook Museum

Housed inside an historic Italian Renaissance villa built in the 1920s, it covers 23 acres featuring beautiful gardens.  The museum exhibits many fine collections of art including the Eugene B. Adkins collection, Native American art, African art, Japanese art, Italian Renaissance art, outdoor sculpture and more.  Located at 2727 S. Rockford Road in Tulsa, OK.

Bartlesville Area History Museum 

[Bartlesville Timeline & Photos]

Housed in the City Center at Fourth Street and Johnstone Ave., the museum features over 10,000 square feet of Bartlesville history.  Exhibits include a one room schoolhouse, the Frank Griggs photography collection and many artifacts and documents.

Frank Phillips Historical House

Once the home of oil industry pioneers; Frank & Jane Phillips, the mansion is now open for tours.  Located at 1107 Cherokee Avenue in Bartlesville, OK.

Tom Mix Museum   [Who is Tom Mix?]

Starring in western films from 1908-1935, his life is celebrated in this collection.  Located at 721 N Delaware in Dewey, OK.

Woolaroc Museum 

[History]   [Photo Gallery]

The museum contains a fantastic collection of Colt firearms as well as a display of Western art, Native American pottery, baskets and other items related to the culture of peoples of the American West.  Located at the Frank Phillips Ranch 12 miles southwest of Bartlesville on highway 123.

Washita County Museum

Housed in the Carnegie Library built in 1911, the museum contains over 10,000 artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Washita County.  Located at 115 E 2nd Street in Cordell, OK.

Fort Supply Historic Site  [History]  [Tour]

Established in 1868, it's original purpose was a refuge during the campaign against the Southern Plains Indians.  Today, a few buildings remain and some have been restored and contain historical artifacts, photographs and exhibits related to the history of this military outpost on the Oklahoma frontier.  Located in Fort Supply, OK.

Cimarron River Log Cabin

Santa Fe Railroad Depot

Waynoka History Museum

Museum Index for Other States

Oklahoma Census Records