Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History
Located in a historic setting, the Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History is on the lower level of the Sheerar Cultural and Heritage Center. The historic building was originally constructed in 1928 to house the First Church of Christ Scientist, the first such congregation west of the Mississippi River.
Dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Sheerar Museum seeks to increase public interest in and knowledge of Stillwater history. The Museum features exhibits about Stillwater and Payne County from the first land run that opened Oklahoma Territory for settlement in 1889 to the end of the twentieth century. The museum also features temporary exhibits examining specific subjects and themes are changed annually.
Originally begun by the Stillwater Arts and Humanities Council, the Museum opened to the public on November 17, 1974. The Museum is named for Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sheerar, whose initial donation of $25,000 was matched by community-wide fundraising, for a total of $80,000. This enabled the Council to purchase the building, from the First Church of Christ Scientist, to house the Museum. Since 1989, the Sheerar Museum has been owned and governed by the Stillwater Museum Association, a non profit 501 (c) (3) corporation.
The Auditorium
The upper level houses the Sheerar Cultural Center Auditorium. The Auditorium features original theater style wood seating and will accommodate 200 people. A stage is available as well as a piano for musical performances. The auditorium is available for rent to individuals and groups for musical events, educational programs, meetings, pageants, receptions, weddings and other social gatherings. Information regarding rental of the Sheerar Center is available in this PDF download. For questions about fees and availability contact the Museum office at 405-377-0359.
Heritage Garden
The Heritage Garden to the west of the building features heirloom plants grown in this area since statehood. Photographers and downtown professionals alike take advantage of the beautiful garden during blooming season. The garden is maintained by the Late Bloomers Garden Club.
Our Mission
The mission of the Sheerar Museum is to receive and collect the material culture of Stillwater, Oklahoma, dating from prehistoric times, but especially from the 1880s to the present; to preserve those materials for the future; to study them to derive information about the past; and to use the knowledge resulting from such study to interpret to the public the history and culture of the area through all effective means.
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