Museum History:

Historical Society of Pottawatomie County Timeline

February 18. 1926: Concerned that the colorful history of the area was passing away with the older citizens who had lived it, Mrs. R.W. Funk, a Shawnee librarian, had invited citizens to meet in Shawnee Carnegie Library auditorium to discuss organizing a historical society. On a bitterly cold night in 1926, a small group of interested people heard the Joseph B. Thoburn, Oklahoma State Historical Society secretary, speak on the importance of the organization. The citizens took the challenge, forming the Historical Society of Pottawatomie County that night, electing John Klapp of Tecumseh president, and appointing committees. 

February 25, 1926: Leadership from Asher, Shawnee, Tecumseh and all sections of the county met to adopt a constitution and by-laws. It was decided to meet monthly at Court Room of the County Seat, which was in Tecumseh at that time. 

Two stone markers donated by Mrs. Carrie Boggs of Shawnee were placed with appropriate ceremonies. One marked the spot near which the last annuity payment was made to the Potawatomi Tribe of Indians. The second marked the home of the famous Indian trader, Jesse Chisholm, whose trails became the nations highways.