Museum Moments (March 2020)

 What have we been up to this month...

We hosted the annual banquet featuring the special guest, Michael Pahsetopah and his family. Here are a few images of the banquet, as well as, the annual report of the Sapulpa Historical Society 2019.

From the 2019 Museum Report by Mike Jeffries (Museum Director) and Rachel Whitney (Collections Manager):
"The 2019 year was a very full year filled of ups and downs. Early in the year, we completed the process of digitizing the historic Sapulpa area newspapers dating back to 1904! Everyone may access them through the Oklahoma Historical Society webpage by visiting their Gateway program. The newspapers include Sapulpa Evening Light, Creek County Courier, Kiefer Searchlight, and many others. We would like to convey our thanks to the Oklahoma Historical Society and those who provided grants to get this done, which includes the children of Ed and Melba Livermore.
"The Saturday of Memorial Weekend last year, after hosting the Class of 1969 reunion, a tornado swept through historic downtown Sapulpa, damaging many of the buildings. The roof of our Fire Museum was torn off, with rain pouring into the building for two days. Most of the artifacts were secured and unharmed; insurance covered much of the damage to the building. We now have grants to reopen soon!
"Dealing with the tornado damage had set our timeline for getting a new restroom and display room a little behind schedule. However, this past month we have both new rooms on the second floor. The new display room is ready for the creative genius of our display committee. This is the same committee that is responsible for planning this evenings’ meal, for decoration of the event room, and for planning all of our events. They, along with all of our volunteers, do the work that keeps the museum clean, neat, and interesting to visitors, by sharing the story of Sapulpa and its people.
"The most difficult part of the past year has been the loss of four volunteers; three had been directors to the Historical Society. David Main, Maryetta Collins, Bob Langston, and Reg Green were not only volunteers but friends. Among them were thousands of hours of giving not only to the museum but to the City of Sapulpa, the Chamber, Main Street, to their churches, the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, the Boy Scouts, little league baseball, and much more. They are a perfect example of what makes Sapulpa such a wonderful place to live. The museum exists to honor those, like these four special people, who lived their lives well and honorably in service to their community and to others.
"Although there were struggles through the year, we push forward and we plan to work harder than ever before. We have many projects in mind, and some we have already started. We currently have a few ideas in motion for the new display room. How does a room to appreciate Sapulpa’s artists sound? That sounds great – let’s do it! Also, we have had the opportunity to have a special exhibit with us in the Saunders’ Hall (ballroom) on the third floor. “Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry” display describes how Oklahoma faced the difficulty of fighting the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and much more in the 1920s and 1930s. The event will last from February 27-May 2. Come see it soon!
"We are renovating, moving, and shaking things up within our establishment. We encourage you to come see us in action!"

For More Info

For a Video