Museum of the Great Plains

Museum of the Great Plains, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Great Plains region, which spans across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The museum's mission is to educate visitors about the region's diverse history, from the earliest Native American inhabitants, such as the Kiowa and Comanche tribes, to the arrival of European-American settlers, including Kit Carson and Buffalo Bill Cody. The museum's collections and exhibitions highlight the significant contributions of notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, George Armstrong Custer, and Geronimo, to the region's development. By exploring the complex relationships between the region's indigenous peoples, such as the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes, and the impact of Westward expansion, the museum provides a nuanced understanding of the Great Plains' history.

● History

The Museum of the Great Plains was established in 1951 by the Society of the Great Plains, a non-profit organization founded by Walter Prescott Webb and Carl Coke Rister, with the goal of promoting the study and appreciation of the region's history and culture. The museum's early development was influenced by the work of notable historians, including Frederick Jackson Turner and Herbert Eugene Bolton, who emphasized the importance of understanding the region's unique cultural and environmental context. The museum's history is also closely tied to the development of the Fort Sill military base, which was established in 1869 and played a significant role in the region's military history, including the Red River War and the Battle of Beecher Island. The museum has also been shaped by the contributions of local organizations, such as the Lawton Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Historical Society, which have supported the museum's mission to preserve and promote the region's history.

● Collections

The Museum of the Great Plains' collections include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the region's natural and cultural history, from the earliest Paleoindian cultures to the present day. The museum's collections feature significant holdings related to the region's indigenous peoples, including the Kiowa Five artists, who were influenced by the work of Ernest L. Blumenschein and Oscar Howe. The museum also has extensive collections related to the region's early European-American settlers, including Pioneer Woman Laura Ingalls Wilder and Charles Goodnight, who played a significant role in the development of the Texas Panhandle. The museum's collections also highlight the region's unique natural environment, including the Prairie Dog and the American Bison, which were studied by notable naturalists, such as John James Audubon and George Bird Grinnell. The museum's collections are also informed by the work of local institutions, such as the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State University, which have contributed to the region's scientific and cultural knowledge.

● Exhibitions

The Museum of the Great Plains' exhibitions are designed to engage visitors and provide a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture. The museum's exhibitions feature a range of interactive displays and artifacts, including a replica of a Pioneer Village, which showcases the daily life of early European-American settlers, such as Daniel Boone and Kit Carson. The museum's exhibitions also highlight the region's significant events, including the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on the region's economy and environment. The museum's exhibitions are informed by the work of notable historians, including Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and Doris Kearns Goodwin, who have written extensively on the region's history. The museum's exhibitions also feature the work of local artists, including Allan Houser and R.C. Gorman, who have been influenced by the region's unique cultural and natural environment.

● Education and Programs

The Museum of the Great Plains offers a range of educational programs and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages and promote a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture. The museum's education programs are informed by the work of notable educators, including John Dewey and Maria Montessori, who emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and community engagement. The museum's programs include guided tours, workshops, and lectures, which are led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers, including Native American cultural experts and Historic Preservation specialists. The museum also partners with local organizations, such as the Lawton Public Schools and the Oklahoma Department of Education, to develop educational resources and programs that support the region's educational goals. The museum's programs are also supported by local businesses, including Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation, which have a strong commitment to preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage.

● Facilities and Operations

The Museum of the Great Plains is located in a state-of-the-art facility that provides a comfortable and engaging environment for visitors. The museum's facilities include a range of exhibition galleries, educational spaces, and administrative offices, which are designed to support the museum's mission and operations. The museum is led by a team of experienced professionals, including a Museum Director and Curator, who are responsible for overseeing the museum's collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. The museum is also supported by a range of local organizations, including the Lawton Community Foundation and the Oklahoma Museums Association, which provide funding and resources to support the museum's operations. The museum's facilities and operations are also informed by the work of notable institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of the American Indian, which have established best practices for museum management and operations. Category:Museums in Oklahoma