1 minute read
Cherokee Strip Museum
GO BACK IN TIME
Perry’s Cherokee Strip Museum is a remarkable historical complex located on five acres of land including indoor and outdoor exhibits, a oneroom schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a gift shop, and beautiful picnic areas on shaded grounds. The people and events that made up the incredible history of the Cherokee Outlet are featured in exhibits, galleries, and displays that educate, fascinate, and intrigue visitors of all ages.
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Guests enjoy the walk to Rose Hill School over a quaint wooden bridge across a shallow creek that recalls school trips from days of old. The blacksmith shop includes a live demonstration on special Saturdays four or five times a year.
Each year on the first Saturday in August, the museum has “Family Day.” There are gunfighters, rope makers, cake walks, mini Rose Hill School Sessions, and other old fashioned games and entertainment.
The museum’s newest exhibit is a walkthrough of the history of the Sonic Drive-In Restaurant. Co-Founder Marvin Jirous grew up in Perry, and his life story is displayed along the walls of this entertaining trip through time. On display are original Sonic menu boards, Sonic uniforms, and even a pair of Sonic roller skates, worn by the car hops.
The Cherokee Strip Museum was built in 1968 by the Cherokee Strip Historical Society through a joint effort with the State of Oklahoma to house a growing collection of materials that were running out of room being stored in the basement of the Carnegie Library. The museum is currently operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society with the help of a local CSHS advisory board and volunteers. The Cherokee Strip Historical Society also operates the museum gift store and the award winning educational program, “A Day at Rose Hill School.” 2617 Fir Street in Perry, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Follow the Cherokee Strip Museum on Facebook at facebook.com/ Csm1910 to see current events and exhibits.
Visit cherokee-strip-museum.org or contact (580) 336-2405 for more information.
Full time site manager: Diana Simon
