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40th Birthday Celebration
January 18 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Happy New Year and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
On Saturday, Jan 18th, from 3-4:00pm, the Edmond History Museum is hosting a party to celebrate its 40th year in existence.
On January 18th, 2024, the Edmond Historical Society was chartered to foster an understanding and appreciation of Edmond history and to save “items of historical consequence.” Now, 40 years later, the museum has built upon that foundation by creating many award-winning exhibits and programs, achieving record attendance numbers in 2024, and housing 43,000 artifacts.
Museum’s Early History:
The idea for the museum was born in 1983, as citizens began to anticipate Edmond’s centennial year of 1989. There was desire to save Edmond’s pioneer history before too many generations passed and the stories disappeared. In April of 1984, volunteer Quimby Entertline began coordinating efforts, and the museum officially opened in one office/room of the Armory in 1985. By 1988, the Thunderbird Room (now the children’s area) was renovated for displays in time for Edmond’s 100th Anniversary.
The museum grew and improved through the 1990s, gaining its first computer, adding the genealogy library, and eventually expanding into the entire Armory. In 1991, the armory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the first employee, Brenda Granger, was hired as director in 1994.
“The museum continues to improve every year,” said Curator, Derek Lee, who started at the museum in 2013. “When I started….., but now……”
About the Party:
The museum’s curator has selected some of the first artifacts and photographs accessioned into the museum’s collection for public display at the party,
….plus the first copy of the articles of incorporation.
Ribbon Cutting?
Attendees can enjoy birthday cake and children’s activities, plus enter for doorprize drawings for an Edmond Mural Pillow and prints of Downtown Edmond, created by artists, Greg Burns.
The event is free, all ages welcome.