Here in Southern Oklahoma we have some great places to visit. Among them is the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum in the city of Gene Autry, Oklahoma. The museum is on top of a hill, across the street from the local Baptist Church, and shares its building with the Post Office. The outside of the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum's brick building does not look like a museum, but what is inside is the most surprising and a delightful treat. The best part is one is allowed to mingle for as long as they desire. No rush here. Loitering about the museum allowed.

My husband and I have visited this museum 3 times in the past 4 years. Each time they have added more memorabilia to view. They have displays from the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's. The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum is primarily dedicated to "the legacy of the Singing Cowboys of the 'B' Western movies". "The Singing Cowboys" exhibits feature Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Jimmy Wakley, Rex Allen, Tex Ritter, Ken Maynard, Pasty Montana, Dick Jones, Johnny Western, and many others. There are additional displays featuring other cowboy stars including John Wayne, Ben Johnson, Joel McCrae, Ronald Reagan, William Boyd, and many others who were well known for their Western Films and Television shows in the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's. They even have displays featuring "The Lone Ranger", "Gunsmoke", "The Big Valley", and "Dukes of Hazzard". We had a great time seeing each display and exhibit. Tons of fun! Very nostalgic!

This museum is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, donations welcome. The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum is fairly easy to find. There are signs along the way.

The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum, every September, hosts a Film and Music Festival. This year it is September 23rd through 27th. There will be Western and Country Music, movie screenings, memorabilia action, cowboy look-a-like contest, Film Stars (pssst Alan Autry has been known to make an appearance at this festival each year and talk about his Uncle Gene! For those of you who are "Heat of the Night" television series fans this is your chance to see "Bubba".), Western Authors, Panels, Workshops, Cowboy Poetry, and loads of fun! All ages are welcome to help celebrate the legacy of the silver-screen Cowboys!

For more information about the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum please browse www.geneautryokmuseum.com , call (580) 294-3047, or email at townofgeneautry@brightok.net

For free information packet about the Gene Autry Oklahoma Film and Music Festival call (580) 294-3047. There is an admission to the Festival. The host hotel is the Holiday Inn (580) 223-7130. Free, rough camping also available on museum grounds. Call the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum for campgrounds information.

See you at the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum! Families welcome!