Three Valley Museum facts for kids

The Three Valley Museum building.

The Three Valley Museum is a special place in Durant, Oklahoma. It's a non-profit museum, which means it's run by people who want to share history, not make money. This museum keeps many old and interesting items, called artifacts. These artifacts tell the story of Bryan County from long ago until today.

The museum first opened its doors in 1976. Its name comes from a book called Queen of the Three Valleys by Henry McCreary, which is all about the city of Durant. The Durant Historical Society helps to run the museum and keep its history alive.

What Can You See at the Museum?

The Three Valley Museum shows visitors what life was like in Bryan County from 1873 up to the present day. It's like a time machine that lets you explore the past!

Step Back in Time: The Small Town Exhibit

On the second floor of the museum, you can find a really cool exhibit that looks like a small town from the early 1900s. It shows more than 20 different businesses and scenes from that time.

Exploring Old-Time Shops and Homes

Imagine walking into an old-fashioned law office or a doctor's office from over 100 years ago! You can also see what a child's room looked like, a cozy parlor (living room), and even a general store where people bought everything they needed. It's a great way to see how people lived and worked long ago.

Travel and Native American History

The museum also has other interesting displays. You can learn about how people traveled in the past, from old cars to trains. There's also a special area called the Native American Gallery. This part of the museum teaches you about the different Native American tribes who have lived in southeast Oklahoma for many years.