Nov/December 2025

17 – Purebred PIGEON Closer Look at the Exhibits of The American Pigeon Museum & Library By Josh Zilles This coming January we will once again be in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the National Pigeon Association Grand National. I would invite you to take some time to visit the American Pigeon Museum – conveniently located 20 minutes from the show hall . Situated at 2300 Northeast 63rd Street in Oklahoma City, The American Pigeon Museum & Library (APM&L) is a hidden gem dedicated to celebrating the pigeon, a bird with a storied past and surprising versatility. Housed in a modern 6,000-square-foot facility since its relocation in 2014, the museum offers a blend of historical exhibits, live bird displays, and artistic tributes that captivate visitors of all ages. Here’s an overview of the exhibits you can explore at this unique institu- tion. P igeons in W artime One of the museum’s flagship exhibits, “Pigeons in Wartime,” shines a spotlight on the heroic contributions of homing pigeons during World War I and World War II. These birds were deployed as messengers, often parachuted into perilous zones to relay critical intelligence. The display features authentic wartime artifacts, such as message carriers, alongside narratives of “hero birds” who risked their lives and sometimes lost them to aid allied forces. Notably, 32 pigeons received the Dickin Medal of Honor for their valor. A video presentation enhances the exhibit, offering a vivid recounting of these avian exploits that underscore the pigeon’s role in shaping military history. T he H istory of P igeon R acing Occupying its own dedicated room, “The History of Pigeon Racing” immerses visitors in the thrilling world of a sport that has captivated enthusiasts for centuries. This exhibit traces the development of pigeon racing, which harnesses the homing pigeon’s extraordinary navigational skills to compete over vast distances. Through vintage photographs, racing memora- bilia, and detailed timelines, the display connects to the museum’s origins as the American Homing Pigeon Institute, found- Pigeon artworks including Good Morning Bokharas by Sherry Beadle Owen on the easel Passenger Pigeon display