Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Location: 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK, 74801
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Three Shawnee groups exist today: the Absentee Shawnee, the Loyal Shawnee (Cherokee Shawnee), and the Eastern Shawnee. The United States Government Coined the designation, Absentee Shawnee, because a division of traditional Shawnee absented themselves from the Kansas reservation in 1845 when a treaty was about to be signed to move the Shawnee to Indian Territory. The tribe now consists of two bands, the White Turkey Band and the Big Jim Band.
Tuberculosis became a prevalent health problem taking a heavy toll among both youth and elders. The Shawnee Indian Sanatorium was opened to its first patients on December 10th, 1924. The world's largest sanatorium for tubercular patients was closed in 1962 and reopened as an Indian Health Clinic until 1979. In 1989 the Absentee Shawnee began using the old sanatorium for their governmental operations. Today there are numerous tribal operations located on the complex grounds.
For more information on Absentee Shawnee attractions or to schedule a personal tour please contact the Cultural/Historical Preservation Department at 405.275.4030.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center
Location: 1899 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK, 74801
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This 36,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility houses the Nation's museum collection, library, Veterans memorial, archives and genealogical research facility, event center and a recording site for the Tribal Heritage Project. The Long Room is used for various events and also occupied with special exhibits. Also on-site is the gift shop filled with hand made Native American products from jewelry to blankets, find that special gift at the Cultural Heritage Center.
Museum Hours: Tues-Fri, 8 am - 5 pm; Sat 10 am - 3 pm
Gift Shop Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10 am - 3 pm
Admission by donation
Jasmine Moran Children's Museum
Location: 1714 Highway 9W, Seminole, OK, 74868
Phone: (800) 259-5437, (405) 382-0950
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Jasmine Moran Children's Museum is one of America's largest, most unique children's museums. In an imaginary town, 2 to 12 year-olds begin to better understand the world and form ambitions as they role play in dozens of occupations. An 18-foot climbing maze brings out the adventurer in everyone or enjoy a ride on the great SuperSONIC Express.
Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
Admission: Children 2 & under free; Ages 3-60 $8.00; Seniors $7.00
Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art
Location: 1900 W. MacArthur Drive, on the campus of St. Gregory's University, Shawnee, OK, 74804
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Widely known as the home of the Egyptian mummies and ceremonial objects, this is one of the oldest museums in Oklahoma. The museum was founded by Fr. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B., a Benedictine monk of considerable artistic talent who traveled throughout the world collecting objects of artistic and ethnological value.
Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 pm - 4 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays
Admission: Adults $5, Sr. Adults 65+ $4, Children 6-17 and students with I.D. $3;
Santa Fe Depot & Museum
Location: 614 E. Main, Shawnee, OK, 74801
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Glimpse into the history of Pottawatomie County at this turn-of-the-century landmark. Built in 1904, the Depot's Romanesque style resembles a castle, providing a memorable backdrop for photo enthusiasts. Home of the Pottawatomie County Historical Society, the Depot is one of the most photgraphed buildings in Oklahoma.
Tues-Fri 10 am - 4 pm; Sat & Sun 2 pm - 4 pm
Admission: Suggested donation adults $2, children/students $1
