BAHM Presents: The Sports That Built Us: Pioneering spirits, town rivalries, and the camaraderie of competitive sports in Oklahoma

Each season brings something new to the Bartlesville Area History Museum’s Pioneer Gallery. This summer BAHM is proud to present: “The Sports That Built Us: pioneering spirits, town rivalries, and the camaraderie of competitive sports in Oklahoma.”

The exhibit features the Oklahoma History Center of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s traveling exhibit “Oklahoma Sports” enhanced by area sports team memorabilia, photographs, and “Bytes of History” about Washington County’s fabled sports. In addition, little ones may enjoy our history of sports coloring station during their visit. This project is funded through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries with a Federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act.

“In the world of sports, Washington County has held its own. Did you know that Bartlesville’s first baseball team was in 1895 with nine area residents? The pitcher was Joseph A. Bartles, son of Jacob Bartles, namesake of Bartlesville, and founder of Dewey. Joseph Bartles also established the Dewey Roundup (1908-1949), noted as one of the top three rodeo events in the world. Did you also know, that Bartlesville was the home of the Olympic competitors and nationally known Phillips 66ers? Furthermore, did you know Bartlesville has held a firm foundation in the game of golf, football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and more. Take this opportunity to visit the Bartlesville Area History Museum to experience over a century of Washington County and Oklahoma athletic abilities,” said Collections Manager, Debbie Neece.

The exhibit will be on display beginning June 13th through August 26th. The Museum is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed holidays) at 401 S. Johnstone Avenue, 5th Floor. Admission is free, however, donations are always welcome. For more information, contact the Bartlesville Area History Museum at 918.338.4290 or . This project was supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Opinions expressed in this publication or presentation do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries or IMLS and no official endorsement by those entities should be inferred.