In 1983, the dilapidated building was moved to its current location at 410 W. Moore and restored to its original condition, with the addition of a small kitchen and an indoor privy.
The Museum, besides being the first school, also served as Henryetta’s first public library, First Presbyterian Church, VFW, American Legion, Boy Scout headquarters, Red Cross headquarters, dentist office and courtroom. It now, once again, plays an important role in the community as a center of activities and a major tourist attraction for our town.
The museum is the official home of the Joseph W. Hardin photography collection. Hardin was the official photographer for Governor "Alfalfa Bill" Murray and for the Frisco Railroad, was invited to presidential inaugurations for over 40 years, and even worked on the Panama Canal.
In addition to the photographic collection, the museum houses exhibits of two famous Henryetta citizens - football great Troy Aikman and Jim Shoulders, 16-time World Champion Cowboy and inventor of the mechanical bull. Jim Shoulders' 1955 championship saddle and other memorabilia are on display.
Coal mining, oil drilling and other local historical artifacts give the museum a unique quality not found in larger museums.
