Drumright Historical Museum gets grant to preserve local history online

The Drumright Historical Society is preparing to step into the digital age, thanks to a new grant aimed at strengthening the town’s connection to its past.

A $3,500 award from the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program will fund the creation of a new website for the museum—an essential step, leaders say, in boosting engagement and preserving local stories for future generations.

A boost for a tight budget

The $3,500 grant represents a significant portion of the museum’s operating budget, which sits at about $15,000 a year.

“Fifteen thousand dollars is not much for an entire year of operation,” said board member Patti Pouncil. “So, for us to receive a $3,500 grant—that is just phenomenal.”

The grant is part of a more than $500,000 statewide initiative, distributed among 40 organizations by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Financial Strain in Recent Years

The Drumright Historical Museum aims to keep its doors open and free to the public, but due to recent funding cuts by the city and a lack of donations, the museum has faced financial challenges.

The museum runs on donations, memberships and sponsorships, but as of July 2024, the City of Drumright will cut its donation to the museum in half from $700 to $300 a month. 

"To lose it would be a great misjustice to all of this, everybody that has ever contributed, it would be a misjustice to them," said the museum's treasurer, Deborah Wilson.

When we asked the city about the previous funding cuts in 2024, it responded in a statement saying, "This was not something we wanted to do, but the money was not available for us to continue to support the museum."

Previous coverage:

'We'll lose the museum': Drumright resident's worry about possible closure of town's historical museum.

From rail depot to history hub

Drumright’s museum has been open for nearly 60 years and is housed in a former Santa Fe railroad depot built in 1915.

Inside, visitors will find a range of historical items—from band uniforms and yearbooks to newspaper clippings and vintage memorabilia—all chronicling the town’s evolution.

Despite its historical value, the museum has struggled to attract steady foot traffic.

New website, new potential

Board members say the museum’s current website is outdated and lacks key information. The grant money will be used to build a new site that will allow visitors to:

1. Browse museum collections
2. Find upcoming events
3. Submit obituary requests
4. Learn about fundraising opportunities
5. Inquire about renting the depot’s historic railcar

“If somebody wants to know when the next monthly market is, or how to donate, we want all that in one place,” Pouncil said.

Launch expected by the end of summer

The historical society hopes to debut the website by late summer. In addition to basic information, it will feature online donations and a virtual gift shop—tools they hope will encourage broader community involvement and financial support.

Plan your visit

The Drumright Museum offers free admission and is open Monday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Special appointments are available for those who can’t visit during regular hours.

The museum does accept donations that will help keep doors open and pay for utilities, museum host salary, and keep up with new exhibits.