The Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum in Guthrie preserves the history of pharmacy and medicine in Oklahoma and the Indian Territories. Its collections range from medicinal remedies to soda-fountain memorabilia, and an adjacent garden focuses on medicinal plants.
- Location: 214 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044
- Setting: The Gaffney Building, built in 1890
- Typical hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free, with a suggested donation of $3 per person
What the Frontier Drugstore Museum preserves
The Frontier Drugstore Museum presents pharmacy and medical history through objects and information from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum opened in 1992 and is managed by the Oklahoma Pharmacy Heritage Foundation, Inc.
Pharmacist Ralph Enix and colleagues began developing the project in the early 1970s, with the aim of collecting, preserving and sharing Oklahoma pharmacy and medical-history artifacts and information. The collection spans the Oklahoma and Indian Territories and the State of Oklahoma, including medicinal remedies, soda-fountain and cigar memorabilia, hair-care and beauty supplies, and other drugstore artifacts.
A 19th-century soda fountain and a recorded tour are among the museum’s features. Volunteers are available to answer questions, and visitors may handle most exhibits.
Where to find it in Guthrie
The museum is at 214 W. Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, inside the Gaffney Building. Built in 1890, the building gives the museum a historic downtown setting.
The Apothecary Garden sits adjacent to the museum. Completed in 2006, it is dedicated to growing and studying medicinal herbs and plants, and visitors are welcome year-round.
Hours, admission and visit planning
Oklahoma’s official tourism site gives the museum’s hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3 per person. Hours and admission can change, so check the official site before you go.
Group amenities include bus and motorcoach parking, group rates and a tour-group welcome reception. For inquiries, call 405-282-1895.
Combining the museum with downtown
The museum and its adjacent garden make a focused stop for pharmacy history, while Guthrie’s historic downtown offers scope to add other local history stops. For a walking-focused plan, the historic downtown Guthrie guide covers the area’s streets and sights.
A one-day Guthrie itinerary can bring downtown and history stops together.
Access details to confirm
The museum’s official site says public restrooms are available on the premises in the Guthrie Pavilion.
The museum is about 1.7 miles from Interstate Motel in Guthrie. Confirm directions and any access arrangements before setting out, particularly if you are visiting with a group.
FAQs
What can you see at the Frontier Drugstore Museum?
Collections include medicinal remedies, drugstore artifacts, soda-fountain and cigar memorabilia, and hair-care and beauty supplies. The museum also features a 19th-century soda fountain and a recorded tour.
Is admission to the museum free?
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3 per person. Check the official site before you go in case visitor details have changed.
Can visitors see the Apothecary Garden?
The garden is adjacent to the museum and is dedicated to growing and studying medicinal herbs and plants. It welcomes visitors year-round.
What other history stops can you add in Guthrie?
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum adds another local history stop.