The historic State Capital Publishing Museum in Guthrie will celebrate a significant milestone tomorrow, June 26, 2024, as the Guthrie Tomorrow Coalition, who does business as the State Capital Publishing Museum, receives the deed to the building from the state in a formal ceremony. The event marks the culmination of efforts to secure the museum's future as a cherished landmark in the community.
The ceremony will take place at approximately 10:30am at the museum, located at 301 W. Harrison Avenue. The museum will be hosting the week’s Chamber Coffee event in conjunction with the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, and the deeding ceremony will occur immediately after. Local dignitaries, including Mayor Steven Gentling and representatives from the Oklahoma Historical Society, will be in attendance to commemorate the occasion. The public is invited to join in the celebration and witness this important moment in Guthrie's history.
The State Capital Publishing Museum, originally the home of the State Capital Publishing Company, has a storied past. Built in 1902, the building served as the headquarters for the State Capital newspaper, which played a pivotal role in Oklahoma's early statehood. The local announcement of statehood was made when Frank Greer walked out onto the second-floor balcony on November 16, 1907, fired off his pistol, and shouted to the local townsfolk that Oklahoma was a state, after he had received a telegram from President Theodore Roosevelt informing him of the decision.
The museum showcases the rich history of printing and publishing in Oklahoma, featuring historic printing presses, typesetting equipment, and exhibits that highlight the evolution of the newspaper industry. For many years, the museum has been a symbol of Guthrie's heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. The transfer of the deed ensures that this iconic building will continue to serve as a center for historical education and cultural preservation.
For more information about the ceremony or the museum, please contact the State Capital Publishing Museum at (405) 282-4123.