Oklahoma Territorial Museum

‍When you think of museums in small-town America, you probably don’t picture a buzzing red barn with a hayride admission charge. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum stands out as a local history museum with modern exhibits that visitors come from all over to see. It is located at 406 E Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie, OK 73044.  About the only thing that sets the Territorial Museum apart is the fact that it’s the only museum in America—and one of very few in North America—dedicated almost entirely to Oklahoma’s history. That’s not to say there aren’t other historical attractions in this town. Guthrie was founded by cattle ranchers who wanted to establish a headquarters for their operations and pass down their traditions to future generations. This post will focus on how others can replicate the success of the Territorial Museum through extensive research and detailed planning, but keep in mind there are plenty of other reasons to visit this historic farmstead as well. The atmosphere here is relaxing, educational, and fun for adults and kids alike.

Why You Should Visit the Oklahoma Territorial Museum

When you think of museums in small-town America, you probably don’t picture a buzzing red barn with a hayride admission charge. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum stands out as a local history museum with modern exhibits that visitors come from all over to see. About the only thing that sets the Territorial Museum apart is the fact that it’s the only museum in America—and one of very few in North America—dedicated almost entirely to Oklahoma’s history. That’s not to say there aren’t other historical attractions in this town. Guthrie was founded by cattle ranchers who wanted to establish a headquarters for their operations and pass down their traditions to future generations. This post will focus on how others can replicate the success of the Territorial Museum through extensive research and detailed planning, but keep in mind there are plenty of other reasons to visit this historic farmstead as well. The atmosphere here is relaxing, educational, and fun for adults and kids alike.

Existing Research and Plan Development

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is a living example of how a museum can change and adapt with the times. The original museum opened in 1969, and it was a historical landmark in its own right. But when the Oklahoma Centennial Exposition opened in 1974, visitors flocked to the museum to see more contemporary exhibits. This had the positive effect of drawing more visitors to the museum while also spurring staff to consider changes. When the Territorial Museum opened in 1969, the overall goal was to create a place to share the state’s rich history with visitors and locals alike. Back then, the focus was on the Oklahoma Frontier period, which spanned from 1836 until statehood in 1907. This focus was intentional. Museum staff wanted to highlight the frontier period because it was a time when people bravely pushed the frontier out into the wilderness. But as time went on, staff recognized that the Frontier focus wasn’t working as well as they’d hoped. Many visitors were focusing on the Frontier while ignoring the other periods of Oklahoma history being highlighted. To address this issue, the museum staff hired a new curator whose job was to overhaul the museum’s approach to history.

Storytelling Is Key to a Museum’s Success

While the Oklahoma Territorial Museum has always been dedicated to telling the state’s history through its exhibits, it wasn’t until the late 2000s that the museum went from being known for its Frontier focus to being known as the “Best Place to Discover Oklahoma History.” As the museum’s new narrative took hold, general visitors and locals alike flocked to the museum for fun and educational experiences. Beginning in 2007, the museum took a new approach to marketing. This included hiring a new marketing manager who used Oklahoma history as the basis for new marketing tactics. But the real key to the Territorial Museum’s success has been the way it’s used its existing exhibits to tell new stories. Museum staff have been clever in their use of visual aids, audio recordings, and interactive exhibits to add new layers to the state’s history. The museum has adapted by changing the type of history it shows to focus more on the state’s Native American heritage.

Bottom Line

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is a modern-day success story because of its dedication to telling the state’s history through storytelling. The museum’s greatest asset is its collection of historical artifacts and buildings that date back to the 1800s. These buildings and artifacts help tell the story of Oklahoma’s history. But what has really set the Territorial Museum apart is the way it’s used all of these assets to tell new stories about Oklahoma’s history. Museum staff have been clever in their use of visual aids, audio recordings, and interactive exhibits to add new layers to the state’s history. The museum has adapted by changing the type of history it shows to focus more on the state’s Native American heritage. This has created a dynamic and exciting living history museum that offers visitors a unique and exciting experience in this rural state.