We build with clarity, act with integrity, and always stay curious.
Our story
The Canadian Rivers Historical Society was incorporated in 1990 with a simple mission: preserve the history of Geary, the Canadian River region, and western Oklahoma before it is lost.
Over the years, the Society has collected thousands of photographs, documents, artifacts, and family stories that tell the story of our community. From everyday household items and local businesses to Route 66 history and the people who built Geary, each piece helps preserve a part of Oklahoma's heritage for future generations.
Today, the Society is working to preserve both the museum's collections and the historic Ed Gillespie Building, constructed in 1903. As restoration of this landmark begins, our collections have been carefully documented and moved into secure storage to protect both the artifacts and the building that has housed them for decades.
Our work continues through preservation, education, community partnerships, and the dedication of volunteers who believe every community deserves to remember its story.
Our Mission
The Canadian Rivers Historical Society exists to preserve the history of Geary, the Canadian River region, and western Oklahoma through the collection, preservation, and sharing of historical artifacts, photographs, documents, and stories.
We believe local history matters. Every photograph, newspaper clipping, family story, and artifact entrusted to our care helps preserve the legacy of the people who built our community and ensures future generations can experience the history that shaped western Oklahoma.
Why Preservation Matters
Historic buildings are more than bricks and mortar. They tell the story of the people who lived, worked, and built our community.
Restoring the 1903 Ed Gillespie Building protects one of Geary's most recognizable landmarks while creating a permanent home for the Canadian Rivers Historical Museum. By preserving both the building and the collections it houses, we invest in our community's future while honoring its past.
Support Our Mission
The Canadian Rivers Historical Society is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization.
Whether through donations, volunteer time, sharing photographs and family stories, or supporting our restoration efforts, every contribution helps preserve the history of Geary and western Oklahoma for future generations.
Every contribution—whether through donations, volunteer service, photographs, family stories, or historic artifacts—helps ensure Geary's history is preserved for generations to come.
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