Press Release
June 7, 2023
Contact: Jake Krumwiede
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
580-237-1907
jacob.krumwiede@history.ok.gov
www.csrhc.org
Enid Chautauqua in the Park Explores the History of American Aviation
ENID, Okla. — Enid Chautauqua in the Park, with the theme, “American Aviation: Barnstorming to Mach 1,” will be hosted June 13-17 at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center by the Enid Chautauqua Council.
Chautauqua in the Park is presented in true Chautauqua style, as evening events are held under a tent in the Humphrey Heritage Village at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. Local talent entertains on the stage each evening beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the main presentation of historic American aviators by the scholars at 7:30 p.m.
The featured characters are Amelia Earhart, Oklahoma native Eula “Pearl” Carter Scott, Rose Cousins, Jacqueline Cochran, and Chuck Yeager. The characters are listed in order of their appearance on the Tuesday through Saturday presentation schedule. The scholars travel to Oklahoma from across the country and spend years researching and perfecting their portrayals.
Workshops will also be held daily, exploring topics related to the topic of aviation in the history of the United States. Topics include programs on the Tuskegee Airmen, Amelia Earhart’s mysterious last flight, the space race during the Cold War, and women aviators in World War II and beyond.
Daily workshops are held in the historic church at the Humphrey Heritage Village, Tuesday through Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. and noon. All events are free. For more information on Chautauqua, call 580-237-1907, email csrhcinfo@okhistory.org, or visit www.csrhc.org. Enid Chautauqua is supported by Visit Enid, Park Avenue Thrift, the Harris Foundation, Enid Arts Council, Rick’s Pharmacy, the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
During Chautauqua, the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will also be hosting a special exhibit, “Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II,” and focuses on African American’s involvement in World War II, which includes a special section on the Tuskegee Airmen. The exhibit is on loan from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and is on display through August 5.
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. 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 www.okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center are available upon request.
