Blackwell Museum to Host Wine and Cheese Fundraiser

The Top of Oklahoma Historical Society Museum in Blackwell will host its annual Wine and Cheese fundraiser later this month, inviting residents to support the museum following the completion of a major renovation and the unveiling of several new exhibits.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the museum, located at 303 S. Main Street. Tickets are currently on sale for $30 each or $50 for two.

Organizers say the evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, live music, trivia, prizes and a silent auction, all aimed at raising funds to support the museum’s continued preservation and programming efforts.

The fundraiser comes on the heels of a successful year for the museum, which recently completed an extensive renovation project that transformed the building’s historic Grand Room and introduced a variety of immersive exhibits highlighting the region’s history.

The museum, housed in the historic Electric Pavilion building, spent several years refurbishing its interior and reorganizing thousands of artifacts from its collection. With the project now complete, visitors can explore a series of newly designed displays that tell the story of life on the prairie and the development of the Blackwell community.

Among the exhibits now open to the public is “Hardship and Home: The Legacy of Prairie Women,” which combines historic home furnishings with the stories of four women whose lives illustrate different aspects of early prairie life. The exhibit highlights a poet, a rancher-farmer, a published author and a woman who helped bring music and dramatic arts to the growing city.

Another section of the museum explores the Cherokee Outlet Land Run of 1893 and the settlement of northern Oklahoma. The display features artifacts including a wagon that participated in the land run and saddles used during the rush for land, along with a timeline explaining the founding of Blackwell and the role of town founder A. J. Blackwell.

The updated exhibits also highlight the work of pioneering photographer William S. Prettyman. Known for his late 19th-century photography of Oklahoma Territory, Prettyman’s work is showcased alongside examples from the museum’s collection of historic cameras.

One of the most eye-catching additions to the museum is a life-size bison centerpiece that anchors the prairie exhibit, offering visitors a dramatic introduction to the landscape that early settlers encountered.

Museum officials say the completed renovation has created a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors by blending historical artifacts with storytelling and interactive displays designed for guests of all ages.

In addition to the interior improvements, the museum recently refurbished the historic clock located outside near the fountain, further enhancing the site’s appearance along Main Street.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed Sundays. Organizers say the upcoming fundraiser will help continue the museum’s mission of preserving local history while encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore Blackwell’s past.