ozarks
roots
the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home
Museum Celebrates History By Terry Ropp
Three Rivers Museum began with one woman’s mission to preserve a communities roots Three Rivers Museum is in the historic Depot District of Muskogee, Okla., near the Arkansas, Grand and Verdigris rivers. The museum was founded in 1989 with local historian and chair of the Historic Pres-
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ervation Commission Dorothy Ball pursuing her dream for a local history museum. She and other locals had numerous fundraisers, including bake and yard sales and car washes. The city of Muskogee and residents banded together to make this happen. With help
Photos by Terry Ropp
from federal grants and the city of Muskogee, they purchased the derelict 1916 Midland Valley Railroad Depot to serve as the museum’s home. Of course, the pandemic has disrupted the life of museums everywhere. The museum reopened on June 3, though many annual events have been canceled for now. When museum director Angie Rush came to work at the museum, she had no formal training. She began as a temporary employee for the previous director Sue Tolbert, after driving a Trolley five years for museum events. Due to health reasons, Sue retired and the museum board of directors offered Angie the position. By that time, she had developed a passion for the museum and for preserving and presenting local history. “I love introducing others to our local history and helping others find information through research,” Angie said. In a typical year, the Three Rivers Museum holds numerous events, which serve as fundraisers. The annual Polar Express Pajama Party is held in conjunction with the Roxy Theater and is an example of how the Muskogee community works together. The adventure starts with the purchase of a golden ticket prior to the actual event. When adults and
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children arrive, they enter the Roxy Theater and watch the movie “Polar Express” while elves serve hot chocolate and a cookie donated by Chick-fil-A. Then participants meet the conductor and engineer for transportation on either a trolley or a bus for a ride over to the North Pole-decorated museum. There attendees get to meet Santa and have their pictures taken with “the jolly old soul.” Another special event is the Bass Reeves Western History Conference in honor of the African-American U.S. Deputy Marshal who came to the Indian Territory. The purpose is to celebrate his life with reenactments, using period clothing and portraying real events from Bass’s lifetime. As proof of how popular this museum has become, when it began 10 years ago, only six people attended, but attendance now is more than 200. Other annual events include Railroad Day and the Bare Bones Film Festival. One event that always sells out is the Haunted History Tours held in October, which covers the Muskogee and Fort Gibson areas. What makes this event so popular are the haunted history true stories. Three Rivers Museum is organized to teach through exhibits and tours with FEBRUARY 22, 2021
