OKC’s First Americans Museum a great place to learn about and experience state’s tribal nations

The state of Oklahoma today has the distinction of being home to 39 distinctive First American Nations. Nowhere in the U.S. will you find so many unique Native American histories, cultures and languages in one place. Even the word Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw words, “Okla” and “Homma,” which means Red People.

Want to learn more about these unique tribal nations and their contributions in Oklahoma and throughout the nation? A great place to do that is at the First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City, which is located along the Oklahoma River just south of downtown OKC and near the intersection of I-35 and I-40.

FAM uses its 175,000-square-feet of space to showcase authentic artifacts and to provide indigenous-inspired cuisine through its café and full-service restaurant. There is also the FAMstore gift shop where visitors can purchase unique items and souvenirs to take back home to their friends or family. Also, you might want to get a closer look outside at the iconic FAM Mound, a 1,000-foot wide, 90-feet tall earthen mound, a tribute to the mound-builder civilizations.

FAM opened to the public in late September 2021, and the museum continues to bring hands-on, interactive programs, camps, workshops and other events to its members and guests. One recent addition to the FAM’s offerings is a traveling exhibit called “Voices of the Drum” that features 20 drums and shares the important role instruments play within the Osage community. The “Voices of the Drum” exhibit, which also features fine art and a digital display, is free and will be on view through March 31, 2023.

Registration for members and non-members has already begun for FAM summer camps, which run June 5 through Aug. 4. FAMcamp courses are limited to 12 students, so you’ll want to get your child enrolled soon!

FAM is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. The museum is closed Tuesdays. For more details on FAM admission prices and all the various activities going on now or in the near future, including this summer’s FAMcamps, visit the museum website at famok.org or call 405-594-2100.