Press Release
December 1, 2022
Contact: Steve Hawkins
Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0754
steve.hawkins@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/historycenter
Documentary Highlighting Hardships of the Dust Bowl to be Shown at Oklahoma History Center
OKLAHOMA CITY — An hour-long documentary that shares a first-hand perspective of the Dust Bowl era will be shown at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) on Saturday, December 3, starting at 1 p.m.The OHC is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. Call 405-522-0765 for more information.
“Dust to Eat” (2021) takes the viewer through the drought and ensuing dust storms from the perspective of Caroline Henderson. Henderson and her husband stayed behind in the Oklahoma panhandle to save the family farm. She said recurring droughts, dust storms and similar disasters left her, in her words, with nothing but “dust to eat.” The narrative of the documentary is drawn directly from Henderson’s book titled “Letters from the Dust Bowl” which was edited by historian Dr. Alvin O. Turner.
The film explores the lasting impact of one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history. Henderson’s account of the Dust Bowl era comes to life with detailed excerpts from her writings which included articles for national magazines and letters sent to family and friends.
The documentary, followed by a discussion, will be shown in the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery on the first floor of the OHC. The cost of the film screening is included with admission to the OHC.
The film was produced by Turner and Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors President Dr. Deena Fisher.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos from the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma are available for use with this story. Find them on The Gateway to Oklahoma History at gateway.okhistory.org.
