Harn Homestead Museum: Step back in time and explore a true Oklahoma treasure
Celebrated as an Oklahoman treasure with a story as rich as the soil it was built on, the Harn Homestead Museum has a history that begins with the Oklahoma Territory Land Run of April 22, 1889. As the increasing number of legal disputes over land claims arose, Mr. Harn was appointed as a special land commissioner in the Oklahoma Territory—it was Horn’s job to settle land disputes.
He and his wife purchased 160 acres of land at the turn of the century, and quickly got to work establishing their homestead. Mrs. Harn selected a beautiful Victorian style home from the National Builders Supplement catalogue, a Sears & Roebuck company. The home was shipped to them and constructed in a mere six-week period during 1904.
Harn purchased several other properties throughout the Oklahoma area including a large area in downtown Oklahoma City and later developed several neighborhoods that today, are home to several of Oklahoma’s oldest homes. Harn’s most notable contribution is the 40 acres of which he donated to the State of Oklahoma for the relocation of the state capital building from Guthrie to Oklahoma City.
Today, the Harn Homestead serves as historic tourist attraction and offers many educational programs for children—offering visitors a glimpse into a lifestyle of farming and a one-room school house from more than 100 years ago. Some of the things you’ll see at the Harn Homestead include furniture, appliances, home furnishings, farm tools and equipment, clothing, books, collectables and more.
The Harn Homestead Museum offers a variety of educational programs for children including summer day and overnight camps. There is also a one-room school house curriculum available for school group trips that offer children hands-on learning experiences. During your visit to the school house, children are led in a half-day curriculum including Oklahoma history, moral lessons and spelling.
Students also play games and use classroom materials like slate boards and copy books. This one-room school house experience makes quite an impression on school children—especially since they are immersed in the experience, right down to their attire. To book a school house experience, visit the Harn Homestead website for more information.
HelloMetro Tip: Guided tours are available on Monday-Friday at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Or, visit and explore the grounds with a self-guided tour anytime between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
