Muskogee Museums
This museum, housed in the historic Midland Valley Railroad Depot, exhibits local and regional history. Since its conception in 1989 the buildings halls which once held passengers and freight, now hold stories and artifacts telling the story of Muskogee, and how it played its part in shaping Oklahoma.
The Five Civilized Tribes Museum
The Museum is housed in the historic Union Indian Agency building. The Bureau of Indian Affairs began constructing the Agency Building on August 18, 1875. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and traditions of the Five Civilized Tribes – Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole, through the acquisition and preservation of works of art, artifacts, documents, books, correspondence, and other materials pertaining to the Five Civilized Tribes, and to promote interest, knowledge, and appreciation of tribal heritage through exhibits, tours, programs, writings, and other media to all people.
The museum also has the world’s largest collection of Jerome Tiger originals, including “Stickballer”, his only major sculpture, which is on permanent display in the gallery.
The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Oklahomans have always had a rich and profound impact on the world’s music culture. In 1995, recognizing the need to educate the public about the influence Oklahomans have in the music industry, the vision for the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame was born. This effort was assisted in 1996 by the Oklahoma State Legislature’s passage of a concurrent resolution, which designated Muskogee as the site of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. On an annual basis since 1997, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame has been honoring the world’s most notable talents whose gifts and musical styles are as breathtaking and diverse as the Oklahoma landscape.
In 2003 the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum found a new home in an old Frisco Railroad Freight Depot. Visitors at the OMHOF can learn about the rich history and impact Oklahoma has had on music all over the world, as well as catch a live show in the Frisco Depot venue.
Originally built in 1898 by Judge John R. Thomas, it remained the family home of the of the Judge’s daughter Carolyn and her husband Grant Foreman until 1967 when Carolyn died. The home and contents remain much as they were in 1967, with artifacts and photos from the world travels of the couple and from their support of Bacone College, as well as their numerous writings about the American Indian.
U.S.S. Batfish, War Memorial Park & Military Museum
Home of Oklahoma’s only submarine, War Memorial Park showcases over 4,000 artifacts dedicated to the USS Batfish, military history, and Muskogee history. The park offers a wide variety of educational opportunities, including overnight stays on the sub.
The famed submarine was a powerful U.S. Weapon during WWII, the Batfish sank 15 Japanese vessels during the war, among them three submarines in just 76 hours. The latter accomplishment has not been matched and the USS Batfish to this day remains the most successful submarine killing subs in history.
Historical Links
Muskogee County Genealogy & History
