* Visitors for April, May and June *
(New!)
The Osage Tribal Museum is open
Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Federal Holidays
Our Mission Statement:
“To educate the public about the history, customs and traditions of the
Osage people; Keep activities and exhibits current and
make the museum experience a truly pleasant one for all ages.”
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ARCHIVED MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
WELCOME TO THE OSAGE TRIBAL MUSEUM!
The Osage Tribal Museum, known as the "oldest tribally-owned museum in the United States since 1938", is located on the Osage Nation Campus in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, USA, 819 Grandview Avenue, and open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We are closed on major federal holidays.
There is no admissions charge; however, we do keep a bowl in the east end of the museum, only if you so desire to make a contribution. The only request we have is no photo-taking in the museum with your camera, please. We have books, a live in-concert DVD, a DVD of the June 5, 2006 election for sale, and photos are available for family members to purchase copies.
The Osage Tribal Museum building was originally constructed in 1872 as a chapel schoolhouse and dormitory. Osage Tribal Councilman, John Joseph Mathews, was instrumental in establishing the museum, with the approval of Chief Fred Lookout and the 14th Osage Tribal Council (1934-38), and dedicated on May 2-3, 1938. Miss Lillian Mathews was appointed as the museum's first curator.
The museum's collection of over 6,000 objects began with the Tribal Council's purchase of the John L. Bird collection in 1923. Since then, many Osage families have donated objects and photographs to help the collection grow. The adaptive reuse of the building to a museum was funded as a Public Works Administration (WPA) project and carried out by the CCC. At the time of its opening in 1938, it was the only museum in the world owned by an American Indian tribe. After a year of expansion and remodeling funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Museum was reopened on September 30, 1967. On October 15, 1987, it gained added recognition by being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once again, in 1994, the museum reopened after several months of additional renovations.
THE BUILDING
The Osage Tribal Museum, originally constructed in 1872, is housed in a building finished with native Oklahoma sandstone. Originally used as a chapel, school and dormitory as a two-story structure with an auditorium, it was remodeled in 1937 as a one-story building and museum. Each stone was carefully removed and put back. The building's cupola was retained and is a distinguishing feature of the edifice. Today, the museum consists of two exhibition galleries and a collections/office area. Both galleries are also user-friendly for the physically handicapped.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
The museum would not be the same, were it not for our wonderful volunteers who come in to help us. These volunteers are known to us as the "Sage of the Osage", and are very valuable with their talents and knowledge of our history and culture.
OUR WEBSITE PHOTO GALLERIES
Click on to the "Photos" section, where, in Photo Gallery 3 (click here) shows the planting of the second "Million Dollar Elm" tree, almost in the exact spot of where the original "Million Dollar Elm" existed for many, many years. The planting took almost 35 minutes (10:30-11:05 am) on June 29, 2006. Harrison Shackelford, Maintenance Director, and his able-bodied crew took on the task, and with the help of over 200 gallons of water, and other nutrients, set the tree up in great shape, and looks terrific. The final photo (taken by the museum staff's own James Elsberry) is the tree, one year later on June 29, 2007. Other photos courtesy of Lou Brock.
"The Osage Timeline"
This is a project that has been in the works for over a year, now, and the large edition is currently located in the east wing of the museum. As this is a living timeline, it may be edited/corrected or added to. Therefore, we call upon our Osage members and scholars to help bridge the gap on several years that are missing, and bring as many references for verification.
The 2006 Osage Constitution
The 2006 Osage Constitution is on display in the center hall of the museum, and we invite all Osage members, shareholders and non-shareholders alike, to be a witness and sign the Constitution. This opportunity is available Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 pm. This includes all family members of Osage descent, and of all ages.