Odessa Area Historical Society & Museum

09/30/2026

Congratulations Laura Sanders !

09/25/2026

Odessa High School's 96th annual Homecoming takes place Friday (Sept. 25). The parade starts at 2 p.m., while the football game between the Bulldogs and the Oak Grove Panthers kicks off at 7 p.m.

Homecoming at O.H.S. began in 1928 and has been conducted every year since then, except for 1943, 1944 and 1945 because of World War II. It was originally sponsored by the alumni, the faculty, Board of Education, P.T.A., Council of Clubs, Women’s Farm Club, Farm Club and Chamber of Commerce.

Here's how The Odessa Democrat described that first Homecoming: "'It was the finest thing Odessa ever had.' That seemed to be the verdict of all who took part in or witnessed the parade of the school and the alumni here last Friday morning.

"There was a large crowd, not only on the streets to see the parade, but many went to the school building to eat dinner. And such a feast of good things, from old ham and chicken, salads, pickles, etc., down to the delicious cakes and pies.

"A long table had been placed in the long corridor of the second floor and on this the “eats” were placed. After getting in line and being helped each one went to the gymnasium to complete their meal. Here coffee was served. It is estimated that 1,100 persons partook of the dinner."

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08/29/2026

Announcement: The museum will be closed temporarily while the sidewalk in front of the building is being replaced.

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07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July! Be sure to check out the historical displays today at the Methodist Church across from the 1912 school building!

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/who-were-signers-declaration-independence

07/03/2026

Don't miss Odessa's 4th of July celebration!

06/27/2026

Bowlin Oil Company ~1947 ~ 1977

03/28/2026

History was made today when the Odessa High School girls flag football team played its first-ever game. The modern era of girls athletics began a little over 50 years ago, so hats off to the girls as they add a new chapter to the Bulldog history book!

02/06/2026

Admission is free! Tickets are available beginning Feb. 6.

National treasures are coming to Kansas City. Will you be among the first in the United States to see the documents that forged our nation?

The makes its historic first stop at the National WWI Museum and Memorial from March 6-22. Admission is free; tickets available starting Friday, Feb. 6! https://theworldwar.org/exhibitions/freedom-plane-national-tour-documents-forged-nation

01/31/2026

If you are researching your family history, be sure to check out the Missouri Death Certificates database. It has been updated to include deaths from 1975. Thanks to those who helped digitize more than 10,000 certificates for 1975! https://s1.sos.mo.gov/Records/Archives/ArchivesMvc/

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12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from the Odessa Area Historical Society! 🎄🎅️🎁👍