Museum Celebrates Five Year Anniversary

Check out the many upcoming events and exhibits at the Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum.

The Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum at 400 S. Main St. celebrates five years this month.

The Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum is happy to be celebrating the fifth anniversary of their grand opening at 400 S. Main St. in the heart of the Rose District. When Dr. Clarence Oliver, board member, was asked his thoughts on the upcoming anniversary, he replied, “Have five years already passed since the beautiful museum building was opened? Some visionary dreams do come true. This museum building is a perfect example. Not only is our community’s collective heritage preserved with the collections inside the museum, even the exterior of the building tells some of the history. The territorial era building design is by intent. The building sits on the site of one of Broken Arrow’s first major structures – the Kentucky Colonel Hotel, a majestic building of 1903 that survived until 1955. The new museum’s exterior includes an entrance with dome cupola and façade that resembles the front of the historic hotel. That is very appropriate.”

Since the museum’s grand opening on June 6, 2009, the staff, volunteers and members have come to think of this place as home. From the permanent exhibits on the second floor to one of the numerous, temporary exhibits on the first floor, this beautiful building serves as a fitting showcase for the town’s historical treasurers. It has been their pleasure to share these treasures with the many patrons that walk through the doors. More than 3,000 school age children have received docent-led tours through the museum free of charge. “We would like to thank everyone who has made that possible, whether it be with their generous donations of money, time or historical items, or simply by showing up and viewing our exhibits,” Lori Lewis, executive director, stated. On June 6, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the museum will have a come and go reception to thank everyone for their support. The community is invited to attend.

The museum has several ongoing and upcoming events planned. Currently, in the first floor exhibit hall, is the “Roses and Spring Water” exhibit. It showcases many rarely seen photographs and stories from Broken Arrow’s history. It also gives an explanation of Broken Arrow as the “City of Roses and Sparkling Spring Water.” On July 26, the museum will be giving Living History tours to all visitors. Volunteers will be dressed as some of our city’s notable figures from the past. They will also be celebrating what would have been Ralph Blane’s hundredth birthday.

On Saturday, September 13, 2014, the Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum will be hosting the annual “Night at the Museum” fundraiser. The theme this year is “Black and White.” There will be a silent auction, music, food and drinks. Tickets are $25 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Larry Pennington, board president, remarked, “Money raised from our fundraiser allows us to preserve our city’s rich heritage and maintain our artifacts and archives for future generations.”

For more information, contact

Broken Arrow Historical Society Museum

(918) 258-2616

www.bahistoricalsociety.com