Events for January 1, 2022 - March 5, 2022
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January 2022
Oklahoma Capitol Restoration Project presentation by Trait Thompson
On Thursday, January 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., the John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center at the Oklahoma History Center will host a special program presented by Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Trait Thompson. Before becoming executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, Thompson was the project manager of the Oklahoma Capitol Restoration Project. He will discuss the history of the Oklahoma State Capitol and how this monumental restoration project was achieved. OHS librarians and archivists will also offer…
Find out more »Museum OKademy volunteer training class
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will hold a six-session course in 2022 to train volunteers. The classes will be held on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning on Saturday, January 15, and concluding on Saturday, April 2.
The course is designed to train volunteers, living history interpreters, and museum docents for the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center! Each of the six sessions will cover the history of northwestern Oklahoma and provide the attendees with a basic understanding of museums, heritage, and public history. Registration is required. Register today!
Find out more »History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip
Step back in time and experience life in the Cherokee Outlet during History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC) in Enid. On the first and third Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the historic buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village at CSRHC come alive with historical interpreters tending their shops and working their trades. There will be many new things to learn and experience. You can even file a…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting *canceled*
The OHS Executive Committee meeting scheduled for January 19 has been canceled. Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Agendas will be available online 24 hours prior to the meeting at www.okhistory.org/board.
Find out more »Historic Preservation Review Committee meeting
The Oklahoma Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), is pleased to announce the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Review Committee’s (HPRC) meeting schedule. The governor appoints the members of the HPRC to advise the SHPO about nominations to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and other preservation issues. The HPRC’s 2022 meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, April 21, July 21, and October 13. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held in the Clark and Kay…
Find out more »Living History Demonstration: 19th-century broom making
Visit Hunter's Home in Park Hill on special dates in January to see a living history demonstration of 19th-century broom making. Historical Interpreter Maddox Cott will demonstrate the process of weaving and wrapping sturdy pieces of corn stalks together to make a household broom. In the 19th-century, more primitive versions of the broom were improved upon by using winding machines to tightly wrap the bundles of broom corn together using wire or string. Broom corn is a species of tasseled…
Find out more »All Aboard: Examining the Orphan Trains exhibit opening
On Friday, January 21, the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC) will open the exhibit All Aboard: Examining the Orphan Trains. The exhibit explores the history of orphan trains that brought orphaned children from the overpopulated cities in the eastern United States, out to northwestern Oklahoma, across the Great Plains and beyond, during the latter half of the nineteenth century.
This special exhibit opening takes place during the CSRHC's monthly Museum After Dark event. A Behind-the-Scenes tour will take place with a special presentation by the Curator of Collections Amy Johnson about the making of the exhibit.
A live performance and presentation by Phil Lancaster and Alison Moore are also planned for the event. The one-hour multimedia program combines live music, a video montage with archival photographs and interviews of survivors, and a dramatic reading of the 2012 novel Riders on the Orphan Train by award-winning author Alison Moore. The program, supported by Oklahoma Humanities, is the official outreach program of the National Orphan Train Complex Museum and Research Center based in Concordia, KS. Their mission is to raise awareness and preserve stories about the orphan train movement.
Find out more »Museum After Dark: Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Riders on the Orphan Train presentation
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is hosting its monthly Museum After Dark event on Friday, January 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event will include a special behind-the-scenes tour with Museum Director Jake Krumwiede and Archivist Aaron Preston, who will give a special guided tour through the Heritage Center’s collection to showcase many never-before-seen artifacts and manuscripts.
The event will take place on the evening opening of the new exhibit All Aboard: Examining the Orphan Trains. Curator of Collections Amy Johnson will be on hand to talk about the making of the exhibit. The exhibit explores the history of orphan trains that brought orphaned children from the overpopulated cities in the eastern United States, out to northwestern Oklahoma, across the Great Plains and beyond, during the latter half of the nineteenth century.
Find out more »Wanted: Dead or Alive exhibit opens
On Saturday, January 22, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will open its newest exhibit, Wanted: Dead or Alive. This photography exhibit is comprised of images of some of Oklahoma’s most infamous criminals and will be on display until March 20, 2022.
Images in the exhibit are from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the University of Oklahoma Western History Collections, the National Archives, the vast photographic archives of the Oklahoma Historical Society, and private lenders. The 38 black-and-white images on display consist of mugshots, crime scene locations, and group shots with criminals and law enforcement officers. They span more than 70 years, starting before statehood in 1907 and reaching into the late 1950s.
Find out more »Volunteer Training Day
On January 22, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will hold a Volunteer Training Day. Attendees will learn the basics of volunteering at the mansion, including history, tour protocols, and all volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more information, please contact Chantry Banks, Executive Director at director@preservationok.org. Register online
Find out more »Lap Loom Weaving class
On Saturday, January 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Oklahoma History Center will hold a Weaving class, which will teach participants how to create basic weaving patterns with a lap loom. The class, open for ages 12 and above, is offered by the Oklahoma History Center's Education Department and will also cover a brief history of weaving traditions. All materials are provided and participants will be able to take projects created in the class home with them. The cost…
Find out more »Kilgen Organ performance featuring Clark Wilson and silent film Girl Shy (1924)
The Oklahoma History Center is pleased to announce the first Kilgen theater organ performance of 2022, featuring widely recognized organist Clark Wilson. He will provide the accompanying music and sound effects to the Harold Lloyd silent film Girl Shy (1924). The performance will be Monday, January 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers, and may be reserved by calling 405-522-0765. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and seating is…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meeting
The Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meetings are held on Wednesdays in January, July, and October at 1:30 p.m. The April meeting will take place on Friday, April 8. Agendas will be available online 24 hours prior to the meeting at www.okhistory.org/board. This meeting will be held at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City.
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Stagecoach (1939)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a Movie Night in its theater on Friday, January 28, at 7 p.m. Prior to the movie, "Horsing Around with Will" will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., during which families can enjoy activities and crafts relating to the movie's theme. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. This event is FREE to attend thanks to sponsorship by…
Find out more »The Jefferson Highway in Oklahoma: The Historic Osage Trace author’s review by Jonita Mullins
On Saturday, January 29, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., author and historian Jonita Mullins will present an author’s review of her book The Jefferson Highway in Oklahoma: The Historic Osage Trace (American Heritage, 2016) at the Honey Springs Battlefield Visitor Center. In her book, Mullins recalls some of Oklahoma’s most important history, celebrates some of its most fascinating characters, and presents the story of the old road that was the location of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. She will…
Find out more »February 2022
Oklahoma’s Atticus (2019) presentation by Mike Tucker
On Tuesday, February 1, at 7 p.m. the Museum of the Western Prairie and the Western Trail Historical Society will host a special presentation about the book title Oklahoma's Atticus: An Innocent Man and the Lawyer Who Fought for Him (2019, University of Nebraska Press), by Hunter Howe Cates. The presentation will be made by Mike Tucker. "Oklahoma's Atticus is a tale of two cities—oil-rich downtown Tulsa and the impoverished areas of North Tulsa; of two newspapers—each taking different sides…
Find out more »Antique Doll exhibit opens
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy will host an exhibit of antique dolls throughout the month of February. The exhibit will feature a wide array of German-made dolls, including dolls by Armand Marseille, Kestner, and Koppelsdorf. There also will be a large group of china and porcelain dolls. If you are a doll collector, an avid doll lover, or a mother or grandmother with a special little girl or girls who love dolls, this exhibit is sure to…
Find out more »Museum OKademy volunteer training class *canceled due to weather*
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will hold a six-session course in 2022 to train volunteers. The classes will be held on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning on Saturday, January 15, and concluding on Saturday, April 2.
The course is designed to train volunteers, living history interpreters, and museum docents for the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center! Each of the six sessions will cover the history of northwestern Oklahoma and provide the attendees with a basic understanding of museums, heritage, and public history. Registration is required. Register today!
Find out more »History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip *canceled due to weather*
Step back in time and experience life in the Cherokee Outlet during History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. On the first and third Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the historic buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village come alive with reenactors who are tending their shops, working their trades, or socializing at the Village Church. Visitors can learn about different skills and trades of the time, or…
Find out more »Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4 film screening and panel discussion
To celebrate Black History Month, the Oklahoma History Center and the Smithsonian Channel are excited to present a screening of Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4, followed by a panel discussion about the Oklahoma sit-in movement. This screening will be held on Saturday, February 5, from 1 to 3 p.m., and is included with paid admission to the Oklahoma History Center.
Witness the story of four young men who stood up to racism and social injustice by taking a seat through photographs, archival footage, and interviews. These include interviews with Joseph McNeil, David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Jibreel Khazan, three of the four men who began the sit-in at Woolworth's in 1960 to protest segregation practices, as well as interviews with historians from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and late civil rights leader and US Congressman John Lewis.
Find out more »Dust to Eat (2021) OHS documentary premiere
A new documentary produced by the Oklahoma Historical Society entitled Dust to Eat (2021) will air on OETA on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 2 p.m.
The hour-long film takes the viewer through the drought and ensuing dust storms of the thirties from the perspective of Caroline Henderson, who, with her husband, stayed behind to save the family farm. Through poignant narration and imagery, the film explores the lasting impact of one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history 85 years after it occurred. The film was directed by OHS Video Production Specialist Ryan Green and produced by historian Dr. Alvin Turner and OHS Board President Dr. Deena Fisher.
Find out more »“From Tulsa to Beyond: African American Genealogy in the Indian Territory and Oklahoma” virtual presentation by Nicka Smith
To celebrate Black History Month, the Oklahoma Historical Society will host a free presentation on Thursday, February 10, at noon (CST). Tune in on Zoom to hear from guest speaker Nicka Smith (citizen of the Cherokee Nation). Smith will present “From Tulsa to Beyond: African American Genealogy in the Indian Territory and Oklahoma.”
Attendees will learn how to research the lives of their ancestors using tribal records (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole), federal records, newspapers, college/university collections, historical society records, and more! Smith’s understanding of these records will help those researching family trees to discover deep roots in the Sooner State.
Register to attend the Zoom presentation.
Nicka Smith is a professional photographer, speaker, host, consultant, and documentarian. With more than 20 years of experience as a genealogist, Smith has extensive knowledge of African ancestral genealogy, reverse genealogy, is an expert in genealogical research in the northeastern Louisiana area, and in researching enslaved communities.
Smith has diverse and varied experience in media with a background in audio, video, and written communications. She has appeared on the Today show, CNN, MSNBC, on the series Who Do You Think You Are?, and has been interviewed by the Oakland Tribune, the Undefeated, National Geographic, and TIME magazine. She is the host of BlackProGen LIVE, an innovative web show with more than 125 episodes focused on people of color genealogy and family history.
Find out more »A Very OK Podcast LIVE: All-Black Towns
Join the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) on Thursday, February 10, at 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for a live podcast event. OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson of the OHS’s A Very OK Podcast will interview Henrietta Hicks of Boley, Shirley Nero of Clearview, and Oklahoma Senator Kevin Matthews of Tulsa about Oklahoma’s historic All-Black towns. This free event will be recorded in front of a live audience. Beginning at 6 p.m. guests can enjoy complimentary…
Find out more »Museum After Dark: Date Night at the Museum
Impress your valentine with a one-of-a-kind date night at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center just in time for Valentine's Day. On Friday, February 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., couples attending the event can stroll through the museum to revisit shared experiences and make new memories with a behind-the-scenes tour of the new exhibit All Aboard: Examining the Orphan Trains. This is a romantic opportunity to take a closer look at the permanent exhibits and the historic buildings of the…
Find out more »Casserole Carrier Basket Making workshop
Fort Towson Historic Site will host a Casserole Carrier Basket Making workshop taught by Linda Lou Alexander on Saturday, February 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a potluck lunch during the workshop. The cost is $45 per person, which will cover all supplies to make your own casserole carrier basket. Preregistration is required. For more information about the event or to preregister, please call Linda Lou Alexander at 580-982-8632, or contact John Davis at jdavis@okhistory.org. Fort Towson Historic…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting
Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Agendas will be available online 24 hours prior to the meeting at www.okhistory.org/board. This meeting will be held in-person at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Find out more »Thursday Night Lecture Series featuring Ted Reeds *canceled due to weather*
Will Rogers Memorial Museum will have a Thursday Night Lecture Series in the museum theater on Thursday, February 17. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Architect Ted Reeds will give a presentation on the development and design of Art Deco architecture in the city of Tulsa and John Duncan Forsyth (1887–1963) who was the architect of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Forsyth was a Scottish-American architect who came to prominence working in the Tulsa area. For more information, please…
Find out more »24th at the Fort
On Saturday, February 19, the 24th Missouri Infantry Volunteers will be holding training drills at Fort Gibson Historic Site. The premier reenacting group is made up of living historians who are committed to authentic portrayals of Union soldiers in the Western Theater of the Civil War. The gentlemen of the 24th pay strict attention to detail, especially to the period correctness of their uniforms and equipment. The group travels to one military post each year in order to spend time…
Find out more »Make & Take Workshop: Cornbread
Shell it. Grind it. Sift it. Mix it. Whisk it. Pour it. Bake, and serve it! Join the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center for History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip on Saturday, February 19 for a special Make & Take Workshop! A ticket reserves a spot in the class includes all of the ingredients, AND comes with a 6" cast iron skillet participants will be taking home! The workshop will be teaching how to make cornbread from a heritage recipe.…
Find out more »Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission meeting *canceled*
The meeting of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission previously scheduled for Tuesday, February 22 has been canceled. Agendas will be posted at www.okhistory.org/commission twenty-four hours before the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated, meetings will be held in the Dr. LeRoy H. Fischer Boardroom at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, 73105.
Find out more »“Shut the Door! Barns in Oklahoma: Log Barns in Oklahoma” webinar
The State Historic Preservation Office is holding a webinar series entitled "Shut the Door! Barns in Oklahoma" featuring presenters who specialize in barn history, construction, and restoration. On Tuesday, February 22, the topic will be "Log Barns in Oklahoma." These presentations will be held on the last Tuesday of every other month, beginning at 6 p.m. The webinars will be limited to the first 100 registrants. April 26 - "Three-Bay and Crib Barns in Oklahoma" June 28 - "Use of…
Find out more »2022 Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet *postponed until March 24*
Postponed Until March 24, 2022
Due to predictions of winter storms across the state, the OHS has decided to postpone the Awards Banquet scheduled for February 24. Our first priority is the safety of our honorees, guests, and staff. The Awards Banquet has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 24, and our staff will be contacting those who purchased tickets for the event.
Movie Night featuring the Wizard of Oz (1939) *postponed*
Due to the winter weather, Movie Night featuring the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz has been postponed to Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Will Rogers Movie Night is regularly held the last Friday from January to October.
Find out more »“The First Indian Home Guard” presentation with Dr. Jane Johansson *postponed*
Honey Springs Battlefield’s special presentation, “The First Indian Home Guard,” which was originally scheduled to take place at the battlefield’s Visitor Center on Saturday, February 26, at 1 p.m. has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 12, at 1 p.m. to take place at the same location.
Find out more »Antique Doll exhibit closes
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy will host an exhibit of antique dolls throughout the month of February. The exhibit will feature a wide array of German-made dolls, including dolls by Armand Marseille, Kestner, and Koppelsdorf. There also will be a large group of china and porcelain dolls. If you are a doll collector, an avid doll lover, or a mother or grandmother with a special little girl or girls who love dolls, this exhibit is sure to…
Find out more »Mid-Afternoon Frolic Talent Show
On Sunday, February 27, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum will be having a Mid-Afternoon Frolic Talent Show. Children ages 5–12 and 13–18 can showcase special talents! Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age group. Awards for the Talent Show are provided by BancFirst. Preregistration is required by February 23. Register for the Talent Show
Find out more »March 2022
Living History Education Day
Fort Towson Living History Education Day on Thursday, March 3. Educational stations will include reenactors portraying time periods from the fort's beginning in 1824 through the 1870s. Participants can expect to see soldiers in full gear and civilians who dealt with the soldiers at the fort. The reenactors will teach students about the uniforms, weapons, and lifestyles of soldiers, trappers, storekeepers, and other people around the region who were connected to the fort. Visitors will move from station to station…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a Movie Night featuring the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz in its theater on Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Prior to the movie, "Horsing Around with Will" will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., during which families can enjoy activities and crafts relating to the movie's theme. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. This…
Find out more »Museum After Dark: Lantern Tours
Take a tour of the historic Humphrey Heritage Village after dark on Friday, March 4th from 7 to 9 p.m. Living history interpreters will entertain and educate while sharing their unique, historic perspective of life in northwestern Oklahoma before statehood. Short vignettes from living history interpreters will occur at each stop on the tour! There are no advanced tickets to purchase, and Lantern Tours are on a first-come-first-served basis. The Heritage Center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00…
Find out more »Historical Travel Bag workshop
On Sunday, March 5, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Chisholm Trail Museum will host a Historical Travel Bag workshop. Participants will create a 19th-century travel bag under the guidance of Marna Davis, the "Domestic Lady’s Dressmaker." The bag will be made from a pattern fashioned after measurements from a period original found repeatedly in period fashion magazines and Butterick catalogs from the 1870s through the 1890s. The cost for the class is $75, with materials and lunch…
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