Five Civilized Tribes Museum — Attraction in Muskogee

I was delighted to visit the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, which is a tribute to the history of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole tribes. Upon arrival, you can see the beautiful historic building of the Union Indian Agency, which serves as the headquarters of the museum and inside, you can learn about its history and culture through research documents, various elements of fine art, artifacts, and antiquities of great historical and cultural significance. These include maps, documents, paintings, sculptures, beautiful pieces of patchwork clothing design, and many other valuable objects. I was especially struck by a painting that represents Osceola, an influential Seminole leader, sticking a knife into a Treaty. It is truly impressive to see, as well as the beautiful sculptures that contain and transmit great meaning. It was a pleasure to experience all this. The museum also has a charming gift shop that offers a good selection of craft objects, perfect for taking home a souvenir of this beautiful culture. If you want to go to a special place where you can learn about and experience history, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee is an ideal destination. In addition to preserving the history of these tribes and educating visitors, it also touches the heart. It is an important and meaningful experience that should...

The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is an overlooked jewel. Most Muskogee residents have never been there. It is housed in a building built by the US Government as the headquarters of the Union Indian Agency. "Union" meaning that it centralized the Bureau of Indian Affairs administration of all "Five Civilized Tribes". Built in the 1870's, the building alone is worth seeing. They have a great art collection. Outstanding, by small city standards. You'll find important works by most of the important Native Artists of the last century, and by contemporary artists. But the real treasure you will find there are Artifacts of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears that it caused. Letters from missionaries who did not have to endure the trail but did so rather than desert their congregation. Everyday objects carved while interned in the miserable concentration camps as those to be removed were rounded up. But out of tragic circumstances and deplorable treatment come stories that reaffirm your faith in humanity and our capacity to love. A...

The history in this museum was rich, detailed, interesting, and eye catching. It kept the attention of my 10-year-old. It is perched atop a massive hill. We could really imagine Native Americans and settlers traveling through the area, seeing the huge stone building overlooking the entire area below.

We loved the fascinating artifacts, and the well-laid-out displays. We left feeling like we knew the Native cultures better than before. Some of the history was saddening, but it's important to be educated on the sad history, too, so we don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

The people working there were also nice. One of the men gave us extra info, and helped me get started tracking down my husband's Native American family history.

The art gallery and book collection upstairs are a must-see! Also, be sure to ask the employees to tell you about the artifacts outside, like the stone pillar that is carved with...