Osage Nation Visitor’s Center Celebrates Four Years, Launches Hologram Project

OSAGE RESERVATION, OKLA. (November 10, 2022) – The Osage Nation Visitor’s Center is celebrating four years of business with various festivities including a collaborative launch of the Wahzhazhe Hologram Project in conjunction with the Osage Nation Language Department. The celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are invited to shop, view the Wahzhazhe Hologram project, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. 

The Wahzhazhe Hologram Project is a series of holographic displays presented through viewing boxes meant to expand the Osage cultural education. The project originated out of CARES Act funds focused on safely preserving the Osage language and culture using technological advances with a focus on accessibility. The displays feature Secretary of Language, Culture and Education Vann Bighorse, Dr. Steve Pratt and former Osage Nation Chief Johnny Red Eagle who traveled to Avatar Dimension in Washington D.C., one of two Microsoft-licensed mixed-reality capture studios in the United States, where their likenesses were captured in a volumetric 3-d motion for preservation and display. 

“Our goal is for the hologram project to have a significant impact on all Osages and Osage community members who are working to expand their language and cultural knowledge,” said Vann Bighorse, Secretary of Culture, Language and Education. “Our team is at the forefront of using cutting edge technology to preserve our culture and I’m very proud of the work being done here at Osage Nation. It’s an exciting time for us all.”

Since opening in 2018, the Osage Nation Visitor’s Center has doubled its vendors and has plans to continue expanding. Addie Hudgins, the Osage Nation Cultural Department Director, oversees the Visitor’s Center. 

“We are extremely grateful to all that have continued to support us for the past four years,” said Hudgins. “Please stop by to share some cake and celebrate with us.

The Osage Nation Visitor’s Center is the Nation’s first stop to welcome visitors into the Osage Reservation. The Mission of the Osage Nation Visitors Center is to promote Osage culture, Osage Nation services, and Osage-owned artists & businesses. The Osage Nation Visitor’s Center provides an accurate history of the Osage tribe from an Osage perspective, using technology and literature to provide an enhanced experience. We encourage visitors to learn more about the Osage culture in a safe, pleasant environment.

The Osage Nation Visitor’s Center is open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. It is located on the southwest corner of the four-way stop as you enter Pawhuska from the east. Cash, credit and/or debit cards are accepted. Checks are not accepted.