Stillwater Living Magazine Volume 10 Issue 12 June 2014 | страница 17

historically speaking Presenting Your Award-Winning Local Histor y Museum! B Y A M M I E B R YA N T On Friday, April 25, 2014, the Oklahoma Historical Society presented the Outstanding Local History Museum Award to the Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History. The award was presented during the OHS Annual Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the OHS Annual Meeting at the Stillwater Community Center. Sheerar Museum Board of Trustees President, Billy McCollom, Vice President, Pat Jaynes, and past President, Gladeen Allred were present to accept the award on behalf of the Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History. I have often heard the Sheerar Museum called Stillwater’s “hidden gem”. Located at the gateway to the culture district at the corner of 7th and Duncan Street, the museum building still resembles the church it was originally constructed to be in 1928. Majestic neoclassical pillars stand as the perfect backdrop for photographic opportunities, as well as an inviting entrance to the auditorium level of the building. While the building is classically beautiful and a unique representation of Stillwater’s architecture, the real treasure is the contents of that building. Inside are countless stories. Artifacts, archives, and photographs tell the story of Stillwater’s rich heritage and culture. All of these pieces that make up this culture have been collected over the past 40 years and preserved by volunteers and professional museum staff who value those stories and understand their priceless, irreplaceable nature. It brings me great pride to see a little museum recognized by a state-wide organization like the Oklahoma Historical Society. During my six years at the museum, we have presented 17 exhibits and 21 programs and have fulfilled countless research requests for our patrons. My proudest accomplishments include the recent renovation and redesign of the long term exhibits on the perimeter of the exhibit gallery, as well as updating and presenting an all new education program for area third graders this spring. JUNE 2014 | STILLWATER LIVING MAGAZINE 17