The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you around “The Chisholm” in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Let’s get started!

Museum Mission Statement: “The mission of The Chisholm is to collect, preserve, and share the story of farming and ranching heritage across Oklahoma from its historical past through contemporary issues.”

Museum History

The goal of The Chisholm (formerly known as the “Chisholm Trail Museum”) is to preserve the story of farming and ranching across Oklahoma. They show how farming and ranching has evolved over time and how it differs from practices used today.

In May 2024, The Chisholm intends to launch a $6 million capital campaign to make renovations to the site in honor of the museum’s 60th anniversary.

Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Village behind the museum has several cool historic buildings that have been preserved. You can see a bank, church, schoolhouse, a jail, cabins, and more!

TRAVEL TIP: You may want to call ahead of time to ensure the buildings you want to see are open. According to their website, some of the buildings will be intermittently closed for preservation work in 2024.

Kingfisher Bank

Samuel & Dorothy Cole Pioneer Home

Gant Schoolhouse

The Dalton Cabin

“Formerly stood in the Blackjacks Southeast of Dover and was the home of Adaline Dalton the last 16 years of her life. The Daltons came to Oklahoma in 1890 and settled on a school quarter Northeast of Kingfisher. Adaline was the mother of 13 children of whom all but four were law abiding citizens. She died in 1925 and was buried in Kingfisher cemetery.”

Jail

Harmony Church

Blacksmith Shop

Governor Seay Mansion on Horizon Hill

Abraham Jefferson Seay was the third Territorial Governor of Oklahoma. The home was completed in March 1892 and the Seays hosted dignitaries for the opening of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Lands at their home.

Concluding Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed learning about The Chisholm in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. This museum had a lot of cool Western history which we all know I LOVE. Go check this place out!

TRAVEL TIP: This museum hosts an Annual Chuck Wagon Festival every year! I visited this museum the day that event took place in 2024. Read more about my experience at the Chuck Wagon Festival.

There are also several historical markers in Kingfisher – learn more HERE! I found several of them within an hour or so. So fun!

Visit

605 Zellers Ave.
Kingfisher, OK 73750

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Sources

The Chisholm – website

*Panels from the Museum.