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OKLAHOMA
INDIAN TERRITORY MUSEUM
OF BLACK CREEK FREEDMEN HISTORY
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Welcome to the Official Website of the
Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History
OUR
MISSION
The Museum’s mission is to Acquire, Educate, Document, Protect, Preserve, and Exhibit the unique history and culture of the Black Creeks (Freedmen) of the Indian Territory. Creek Freedmen were forcefully removed to Indian Territory (now known as Oklahoma) on the trail of tears in the 1830s from their eastern homelands in Alabama and Georgia
OUR PURPOSE
The Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History invites you to embark on an enlightening journey to a crucial era in our past—the time of Indian Territory, before the birth of the State of Oklahoma. This museum serves as a vital resource for understanding the rich history of individuals of African descent who were known as Freedmen, Native Negros, Black Indians, Black Creeks, and African Creeks. Discover the stories that shaped this unique community and the legacy they left behind. Your visit is not just a tour; it's an opportunity to connect with a significant piece of history that deserves to be celebrated.
Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History, Inc,
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Visit us at:
8625 S. Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, Ok, 73139
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Hours of operation: 1st Saturdays of the month from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and by appointment.
For special events or programs. Please contact us at freedmenmuseum@gmail.com or by phone at 405-458-0823
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Mailing Address
P.O. Box 6366
Moore, OK, 73153
(405) 458-0823
August 15, 2026
Author’s Talk with Terry J. Ligon!
Please join us on August 15 at 1:00 p.m. CST for an Author’s Talk with Terry J. Ligon at the Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History, located at 8625 S. Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.Terry J. Ligon, a Chickasaw Freedmen descendant, is the author of Enslaved on the Trail of Tears, a powerful and essential read for anyone studying the history of the Freedmen of Indian Territory. With a foreword by Dr. Daniel F. Littlefield Jr., this work brings forward a story long overlooked yet central to understanding the true experience of removal, survival, and identity.Through historical records, genealogical evidence, and lived memory, Terry documents how Freedmen ancestors were enslaved and forcibly removed alongside all five Southeastern tribes to Indian Territory, reminding us that the enslaved were present at every stage, even when misclassified or omitted from the records.The community looks forward to welcoming him to Oklahoma City for this special research event. Freedmen descendants across all Five Tribes continue to preserve history, uplift community, and ensure these truths are shared for all to learn. This history matters, and we are grateful for every person committed to documenting and teaching it.
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Free event!!
Stop by our booth!
August 4, 2026, from 5–7 p.m
Free Educator Event — Teacher Resource Fair at Science Museum Oklahoma
We’re excited to share that the Oklahoma Indian Territory (Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History) will be participating in the Teacher Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at Science Museum Oklahoma.
This free event, hosted by the Oklahoma Museums Association, brings together museums and educational organizations from across the state to support teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Educators of all grade levels and subject areas are invited.
At our booth, educators will find engaging, accurate, and age‑appropriate resources to help bring Native Freedmen history into the classroom. We invite schools and learning groups to schedule educational tours at our museum, and we’ll have sample lesson materials available at the event.
By teaching about Native Freedmen, tribal citizenship, family lineage, and Native American contributions, educators help students connect with their history and envision their future. Our team is dedicated to providing meaningful tools that make this vital history accessible to learners of all ages.
Event Highlights:
• Classroom-ready activities
• Educational materials from museums statewide
• Professional development opportunities
• Refreshments and raffles, including chances to win free field trips
• Networking with cultural and educational partners
All educators are welcome, public, private, daycare, co-op, and homeschool.
Registration is required. Reserve your spot and start the school year with new inspiration: SMO.org/TeacherResourceFair
We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your work in the classroom.
July 30, 226, Arts leaders from across Oklahoma spent the afternoon hearing from National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter, who traveled from Washington, DC, for a special convening organized by the Oklahoma Arts Council. The gathering, held at First Americans Museum, marked the conclusion of the chairman’s two-day visit to our state.On Thursday, Rhonda Grayson and board member Angelia Bailey-Campbell had the opportunity to visit with Chairman Carter during her time in Oklahoma. We expressed our gratitude for the NEA grant recently awarded to our organization and thanked her for her leadership and continued support of arts initiatives across the nation. We also shared details about our NEA project, which we have two years to complete, along with important aspects of Freedmen history and heritage that the project will help illuminate
June 30, 2024
For Immediate Release:
The Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Band and the Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History are excited to present "Unsung Heroes of the Civil War: Freedmen of Indian Territory."
Explore the remarkable story of the African Creek (Freedmen) and other courageous individuals who fought alongside the Muscogee Creek people during the Civil War. Witness their selfless sacrifice and remarkable courage as they fled Indian Territory and joined forces with the Upper Creek Indians under the leadership of Muscogee Creek Chief Opothleyahola.
Experience their inspiring journey through three intense battles against the Confederates as they made their way to Kansas, a journey that became known as The Trail of Blood on Ice. These pivotal battles occurred in Indian Territory during the American Civil War, from November 19, 1861, to December 26, 1861.
During the Civil War, brave men of African descent joined the 1st Indian Home Guard Kansas and the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry, which later became the 79th and 83rd Colored Troops. The exhibit will showcase a fascinating collection of replica weapons, historical display boards providing insights into the historical context and the soldiers' stories, a realistic depiction of a Union soldier, replicas of utensils, various artifacts from the Civil War era, and fantastic artwork completed to help enhance the story.
Additionally, the exhibit will feature a replica of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry battle flag, honoring the courage and sacrifice of these extraordinary soldiers. They fought battles in Indian Territory, Missouri, Arkansas, and beyond.
Prepare to be captivated by our impressive lineup of guest presenters. Mr. Wallace C. Moore will share the powerful perspective of an enslaved person of African descent. We are honored to have Attorney Calvin Osborne, a Civil War reenactor from Washington D.C. and a descendant of Creek Freedmen, who will provide deep insights into the history of the Freedmen of Indian Territory and share stories of their service in these regiments.
Lastly, Ms. Be'eri Ahil will transport us back in time as she brings to life the experiences of Ms. Lucinda Davis, an eyewitness to the battle of Honey Spring, dressed in period-appropriate attire.
This event is open to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the history and the courageous but often overlooked heroes of the Civil War: Freedmen of Indian Territory.
This significant event has been made possible by a generous grant from the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grants, provided by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Save this information:
Date: July 27, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 8625 S. Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, 73139
Admission: Free
Presented by the Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Band and the Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History.
contactus@1866creekfreedmen.com
405-458-0823
HAVE SOME QUESTIONS?
Feel free to Contact Us and we are happy to help!
Are you passionate about preserving history and culture? Join the Creek Freedmen Cemetery Preservation Committee and help us protect our most sacred land. Your tax-deductible donation can make a real difference. Thomas Smith cemetery and Old Union Agency are located within the boundaries of the Muscogee Creek Reservation, and the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Muscogee Creek Nation has to review, comment on, and ultimately approve the nominations. According to the Muscogee Creek Nation constitution, these cemeteries must be protected and recognized by the National Park Service as Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs). The THPO's comments and approval are due in July. Join us in preserving and honoring our heritage! Contact us contactus@freedmenmuseum.com to join the team!
