“Choctaw and Chickasaw Involvement in the Civil War and the Battle of Honey Springs” presentation by Kenny Sivard, Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center

Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is honored to announce a special presentation, “Choctaw and Chickasaw Involvement in the Civil War and the Battle of Honey Springs,” to be held at the battlefield’s Visitor Center on Saturday, August 18, at 1 pm. Kenny Sivard will discuss what led the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations into the Civil War, how their governments became allied with the Confederacy, and their role in the Confederate war effort. Sivard also will discuss the importance of the Choctaw and Chickasaw presence at the Battle of Honey Springs. The talk is free to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Kenny Sivard is a sixth-generation resident of McCurtain County, Oklahoma. He serves as president of the McCurtain County Historical Society and is on the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors, where he sits on the Research and Publications Committees. Sivard also was elected to the board of the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield in July. He is a former employee of the Oklahoma Historical Society and writes history articles for the McCurtain Gazette.

After the presentation and questions, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the battlefield to learn about key aspects of the engagement and the soldiers who fought at Honey Springs. Visitors also will be able to tour the new Visitor Center building and traveling exhibits, purchase items from the gift shop, and learn about the permanent exhibits that will open in the near future.

For more information regarding the exhibits and Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or call 918-473-5572. Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill in close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).