Step through the front door of the Greater Southwest Historical Museum and you immediately enter South-Central Oklahoma's history. The museum is housed in Ardmore's former Oklahoma National Guard Armory. This native sandstone building was constructed by the WPA in 1936 and houses two other organizations. Within these historic walls you will find exhibits detailing the area's history from the mid 1800's to the present. The Museum tells the fascinating story of human settlement in South-Central Oklahoma, from early Native American history, to the farmers, ranchers and townspeople who built strong communities in the region. The Military Memorial Museum exhibits military history from the American Revolution through Desert Storm. Researchers will find an abundance of information in the Carter County Genealogical Society Library, which houses local, regional, state, and national records for visitors to explore their family tree.

Dedicated April 28, 1990, the Military Memorial Museum is housed in one wing of the building that once served as a National Guard Armory for Oklahoma’s historic, battle-proven 45th Division. Built by the Works Progress Administration in 1935-36, the building itself is a monument to that time-period in Oklahoma and the Nation’s history. The museum is a result of the foresight and leadership put forth in the mid-to-late 1980s by Brigidier General George M. Donovan and dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly during 1989-90 to renovate the building and prepare the displays. The men and women who serve as guides or “Charge of Quarters,” administrators and directors are volunteers.

Displays in the museum represent all eras: the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Indian Wars, World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom War. The displays include artifacts, documents, photographs, uniforms, weapons, knives, models, medals and a great deal of personal memorabilia from veterans all over the United States.