Permanent Exhibits
Experience the growth and development of Bartlesville and the surrounding areas through historical photographs, documents, and artifacts. Learn about Bartlesville, Cooweescoowee District, Indian Territory; the Nellie Johnstone No. 1 - the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma; Frances Yates - the composer of the 12th Street Rag and the many other people, places, and events that shaped this turn-of-the-century settlement on the Caney River into a modern, cosmopolitan community.
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Shown here is the likeness of photographer Frank Griggs. Mr. Griggs moved to the Bartlesville area in 1908 and immediately began recording early day area life with his camera. He took over 200,000 photographs of Bartlesville throughout his lifetime. These photographs form the basis of a visual record of the growth and development of the Bartlesville area. The museum houses most of Mr. Griggs' photographs and equipment. |
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The history of Native Americans is an important aspect of the museum's exhibits. The local Native American tribes played a vital role in the development of the Bartlesville area as many of the area's prominent citizens and business leaders came from Native American backgrounds. The Cherokee, Delaware, and Osage tribes are all represented in the collections of the Bartlesville Area History Museum. |