Events for October 1, 2022 - November 5, 2022
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October 2022
Sun and Silver: Photography Before Statehood exhibit closes
The Oklahoma History Center exhibit Sun and Silver: Photography Before Statehood will close on October 1, 2022. This exhibit showcases well-known professional traveling and studio photographers of the pre-statehood era, and presents lesser-known amateur photographers of the same period. Also included in Sun and Silver is an exploration of the various processes used for developing photographs. Magical images on mirror-like, silver-coated copper surfaces (daguerreotypes), mysterious fragile glass negatives (wet-plate photography), and unique, blue-toned prints (cyanotypes) are just a small sample of what guests will see.
The exhibit is on display in the Cooper and Gladys West Atrium Wing and Gallery during regular museum hours, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors ages 62 and over, $5 for students and free for children ages five and under. Group rates are available upon request. Oklahoma Historical Society members, active-duty military, veterans, and dependents (with ID) are admitted at no charge.
Find out more »Annual Quilt Show opens
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual Quilt Show during the month of October, featuring heirloom and modern quilts from across the state. Cimarron Valley Quilt Guild and Pawnee Bill Quilt Guild members are instrumental in putting together this yearly event. The show opens on Saturday, October 1, and closes on Sunday, October 30. There is no charge to view the Quilt Show, which is available to visitors during regular hours of operation. Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum…
Find out more »Cinnamon Roll Social
On Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Fort Towson Historic Site will host a cinnamon roll social. This is an opportunity to enjoy some delicious Dutch oven cinnamon rolls and visit with friends. All are invited to attend this FREE event. Email fttowson@history.ok.gov for more information.
Find out more »Family Farm Day
On Saturday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join in the celebration of our agricultural heritage at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. Family Farm Day gives families the opportunity to experience different hands-on activities. Come shell and grind corn, churn butter, decorate pumpkins, and MUCH MORE! The CSRHC’s Family Farm Day is an annual event celebrating the proud farming heritage that built northwest Oklahoma.
Find out more »Heritage Hills Historic Homes Tour
Visit Oklahoma City for the Heritage Hills Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. Tours will be held from noon to 5 p.m. each day. This self-guided tour allows attendees to visit several private residences in the Heritage Hills neighborhood and the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion. The tour offers a glimpse of the past beautifully melded with the present, showcasing these historically charming residences. Ticket prices for this year’s Historic Homes Tour are $20. Children…
Find out more »Research Center Book Sale
The Oklahoma Historical Society’s John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center will host its book sale Wednesday, October 5, through Saturday, October 8, at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The sale will include books on a variety of topics, featuring many rare and out-of-print titles. Visitors can shop for…
Find out more »OkNHD Library Day
Join us for our annual OkNHD Library Day at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Students will research in the library and attend workshops for help with their projects. OkNHD Library Day is free for teachers, students, and chaperones! The fee for this program is included with the cost of admission. Registration opens on August 25 and closes on September 29.
Find out more »“Coffee Time” living history program
On Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m. join Fort Gibson Historic Site staff as they present a program all about coffee which will follow the process of bringing the coffee beans from the tree to the mug. Learn what coffee varietals were available in the 19th century and see the equipment used to process and brew coffee. In the history of this nation, there has been one…
Find out more »Doaksville Historic Candlelight Tour
Experience the history of southeastern Oklahoma at the annual Doaksville Historic Candlelight Tours. Tours will be held Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the last tour departing at 9:30 p.m. A guide will take visitors on a 45-minute walking tour through the streets of this once prominent town. The venues on the tour will cover specific historic events in Doaksville’s history. Doaksville served as the capital of the Choctaw Nation intermittently after 1850 and…
Find out more »The Battle of Honey Springs documentary screening at the Bass & Belle Wild West Film Fest
The Oklahoma Historical Society is excited to announce that The Battle of Honey Springs, a documentary, depicting the largest Civil War battle to take place in present-day Oklahoma, will be screened on October 8, at 3:30 p.m. at the Bass & Belle Wild West Film Fest at the Roxy Theater in Muskogee. On July 17, 1863, near the community of Honey Springs in the Muscogee Nation, the United States and Confederate forces battled for control of Indian Territory. Brother fought…
Find out more »History & Haunts at the Overholser **SOLD OUT**
Due to popular demand, the 2022 History & Haunts tours are sold out. The tours will begin with a brief introduction in the Overholser Mansion Carriage House followed by a rare glimpse inside the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion after dark. See the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the home and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! The tour will give time for guests to explore the historic…
Find out more »“Outlaw Mummy: The Story of Elmer McCurdy” webinar
On Thursday, October 13, at noon (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office is not afraid to host Michael Williams, curator at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie, for an unsettling story about the world travels of Elmer McCurdy. Williams will tell the twisted tale of the Outlaw Mummy Elmer McCurdy following his life as a train-robbing outlaw, the gun that killed him, the lawman who fired the fatal shot, and McCurdy’s postmortem career as a carnival attraction. Register for the…
Find out more »Monte Walsh (2003) film screening
On Friday, October 14, at 6 p.m., the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is partnering with the Buffalo Theatre, located at 537 Sixth St. in Pawnee, to hold a film screening of Monte Walsh (2003). This screening is being held in conjunction with the Let’s Talk About It book series discussion at Pawnee Bill Ranch featuring author Jack Schaefer's book upon which the movie is based. Before the 6 p.m. screening, from 5 to 6 p.m. The historic Buffalo Theatre buvette (snack…
Find out more »Oklahoma Folklife Festival
The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) is pleased to invite the public to attend the 2022 Oklahoma Folklife Festival on Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will offer a wide range of entertainment, crafts, exhibitions and food. The festival will be held predominantly outdoors on the OHC campus located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. For additional information, please call 405-522-0765. This community-wide event will celebrate…
Find out more »International Archaeology Day Celebration
October is Archaeology Month in Oklahoma and internationally, and Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will celebrate International Archaeology Day on Saturday, October 15, 2022, with a lecture, a guided walk, and many other activities. Oklahoma Archaeology Month is sponsored and promoted by the Oklahoma Anthropological Society and the Oklahoma Public Archaeology Network, and includes many more events (some virtual) throughout Oklahoma during the month of October. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only pre-European contact Native American archaeological site in Oklahoma…
Find out more »Make and Take: Ammo Crate
Participants will have the opportunity to build their own Civil War–style wooden ammo crate on Saturday, October 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Honey Springs Battlefield. In this outdoor class, led by instructor Jake Krumwiede, participants will walk through the easy steps of piecing together a sturdy storage crate from pre-cut panels using light construction techniques. To register for this class or to get more information, contact Honey Springs Battlefield at honeysprings@history.ok.gov or adam.lynn@history.ok.gov, or call 918-617-7125. The workshop…
Find out more »Style Show with storyteller Dianne Fallis
The Fred & Addie Drummond Home will have a Style Show on Saturday, October 15, from 1 to 1:30 given by the Green Country Storyteller of Bartlesville: Dianne Fallis. Fallis has shared her stories with young and old since she became a storyteller in 2003. Her story collections center on the regional and local history of Oklahoma. She is also a member of the National and state Territory Storytellers sharing her stories at Sunfest of Bartlesville and countless venues across…
Find out more »Let’s Talk About It: Monte Walsh (1963) by Jack Schaefer
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee has partnered with Oklahoma Humanities (OH) to host OH’s book discussion series “Let’s Talk About It.” The book club meetings will take place as monthly in-person and online gatherings at the museum on Blue Hawk Peak and will feature a different book title each month from July to November. All five of the books in the program have the overarching theme of the historical cowboy—the hired man on horseback who rode the ranges…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting *canceled*
The Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting previously scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, has been canceled.
Find out more »Working America: A Sam Comen Photography Exhibition closes
Working America: A Sam Comen Photography Exhibition, will be on display at Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center until Thursday, October 20. In the exhibition, artist Sam Comen presents a series of portraits of American immigrants and first-generation Americans at work in the small, skilled trades as icons of the American experience. The subjects share stories of economic independence and struggle, belonging and exclusion, faith and fear, and service to both community and family. A variety of themes are explored in…
Find out more »Thursday Night Lecture Series featuring Michael Williams
On Thursday, October 20 at 7 p.m., The Will Rogers Museum will host its Thursday Night Lecture Series featuring a presentation by Michael Williams. He will tell the bizarre story of Elmer McCurdy—the Oklahoma Outlaw turned sideshow mummy. While filming an episode of the hit television show, The Six Million Dollar Man, entitled “The Carnival of Spies,” at the Nu-Pike amusement park in Long Beach, California, a member of the crew, knocked the arm of a mannequin at the Laff-In-The-Dark…
Find out more »“Introduction to the Basics of Survival” workshop
On Saturday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fort Towson Historic Site will host “Introduction to the Basics of Survival,” a workshop facilitated by Todd Branda. Todd Branda, a veteran and McCurtain County medical transport pilot, will lead the class. He will provide valuable information about applying first aid, locating water, reading a compass, navigating toward safety, building shelters, starting fires, and signaling for help. Branda’s perspective and training make him an ideal candidate to teach others how…
Find out more »Come and Learn: Okey Drew book discussion and signing presented by Dr. Ameenah Fuller
On Saturday, October 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., the John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center of the Oklahoma Historical Society will host a Come and Learn program presented by Dr. Ameenah Fuller, author of the book Okey Drew. The event will take place in the Musser Learning Lab on the first floor of the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. Copies of the book will be for sale, and the author will be…
Find out more »Voices of Hunter’s Home *canceled*
On Saturday, October 22, from 7 to 9:45 p.m., Hunter's Home will be giving brief tours, allowing visitors to move through the house and listen to tales told about the Murrell Home, the Cherokee Nation, and more. Visitors can hear the stories of Hunter's Home from those who lived there, recounted by storytellers in period costume.
Find out more »Space Night Open House
Visit the Oklahoma History Center for a STEAM* space-filled family night on October 25th from 4-6 p.m. Families can engage with art and crafts, learn to use real telescopes, and go on a scavenger hunt to win prizes! A team from the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory from the University of Oklahoma will join in the fun of the event. Visitors can also use the Observing With NASA exhibit kiosk—a hands-on exhibit that engages visitors in the art and science of…
Find out more »“Shut the Door! Barns in Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s Special Purpose Barns and Farm Structures” webinar
The State Historic Preservation Office is hosting a webinar series entitled "Shut the Door! Barns in Oklahoma" featuring presenters who specialize in barn history, construction, and restoration. On Tuesday, October 25, the topic will be "Oklahoma's Special Purpose Barns and Farm Structures." 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. December 27 - "The Significance of Barns in the Oklahoma Cultural…
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 Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, 1141 Pawnee Bill Road, Pawnee.
Find out more »Haunts of Memories Past: Tales from Dewey’s Early Days
On Thursday, October 27, and again on Saturday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Tom Mix Museum will host Haunts of Memories Past: Tales from Dewey's Early Days at Dewey Heritage Theater located at 306 Don Tyler Ave. Performances by reenactors will bring local characters to life on the theater's stage such as early business leaders Jake and Nannie Bartles and outlaw Henry Starr. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under the…
Find out more »“What a Mess” living history program
On Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m., this late October living history program will be focused on the mess hall of Fort Gibson. Learn the types of foods available at the post during the 19th century. Kitchen staff will be stoking the kitchen fires and cooking delicious recipes from pork, potatoes, dried fruits and vegetables, and making coffee. Living historians will be demonstrating the skills of…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a Movie Night featuring the film An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991) in its theater on Friday, October 28, at 7 p.m. “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…
Find out more »History & Haunts at the Overholser **SOLD OUT**
History & Haunts tours will begin with a brief introduction in the Overholser Mansion Carriage House followed by a rare glimpse inside the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion after dark. See the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the home and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! The tour will give time for guests to explore the historic home on their own. Tickets are $25 per person and each…
Find out more »Cemetery Symbols: Carved in Stone
Join the Oklahoma History Center to explore the meaning behind historic gravestones on Saturday, October 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. Gravestones and cemeteries are rich in a language of symbols whose meaning changes over time. This in-person class for ages 16 and up will provide the skills necessary to investigate the past through tombstones. This program will take place in the Musser Learning Lab at the Oklahoma History Center. Registration closes on October 20.
Find out more »“History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie will host its “History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event returns with a Hocus Pocus theme. At the two-hour event, families can enjoy carnival games, prizes, food, candy, and Halloween-themed activities both inside and outside of the museum. The carnival also gives children another chance to dress up, as costumes are encouraged! The museum exhibit galleries and the Carnegie Library will be free…
Find out more »Scary Stories Tours
Visit the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum for the Scary Stories Tours, taking place one night only on Saturday, October 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Guides will lead guests through an outdoor tour in the park telling spine-tingling, ghostly tales about Oklahoma, the surrounding area, and the Pawnee Bill Ranch. The tours will leave every 30 minutes from the museum building that night, so bundle up for cool weather. Admission is $5 per person, and the event is for…
Find out more »Annual Quilt Show closes
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual Quilt Show during the month of October, featuring heirloom and modern quilts from across the state. Cimarron Valley Quilt Guild and Pawnee Bill Quilt Guild members are instrumental in putting together this yearly event. The show opens on Saturday, October 1, and closes on Sunday, October 30. There is no charge to view the Quilt Show, which is available to visitors during regular hours of operation. Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum…
Find out more »Halloween Night at the Museum
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host Halloween Night at the Museum on Monday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event combines trick-or-treating with an opportunity for children and their families to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Due to the cold weather, area businesses and individuals will share treats inside the spacious museum. Volunteers for Youth will sponsor a bounce house, and around 25 different groups will be on-site to distribute treats. There will be a costume…
Find out more »November 2022
Will Rogers Days and Motion Picture Festival
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum (WRMM) and Birthplace Ranch will celebrate the 143rd birthday of Oklahoma’s Favorite Son with the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival. From November 2 through 5, four days of activities will be held to honor the memory of the Cherokee cowboy, philosopher, and movie actor who had starred in 50 silent movies and 21 talkies by the time of his death on August 15, 1935, in an Alaska airplane crash. Beginning November 2, the Will Rogers…
Find out more »Museum After Dark: Lantern Tours *canceled due to weather conditions*
The Lantern Tours previously scheduled for November 4, have been canceled due to weather conditions. The lantern tours are a part of the center’s monthly Museum After Dark event series, which is sponsored through the generosity of the CSRHC's friends and community partners at Park Avenue Thrift. For more information about this series, please call 580-237-1907.
Find out more »Wheel Setting Demonstrations with Tom Nelson
A blacksmith will demonstrate the centuries-old metalcraft wheel setting on November 5 at the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School in Perry. Weather permitting, a wheel-setting demonstration will take place at 10:30 a.m. with the museum’s resident blacksmith, Tom Nelson. The wheelwright’s craft goes back thousands of years, and was essential in an age of wagon use. They were skilled in the art of building and repairing wooden wheels. Other activities in the blacksmith shop will take place from…
Find out more »Honey Springs Visitor Center Grand Opening
Honey Springs Battlefield is excited to celebrate the grand opening of all permanent exhibits inside the visitor center near Checotah on Saturday, November 5, beginning at 11 a.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience an immersive, 3-D theatrical video performance bringing to life the Battle of Honey Springs. Additionally, guests can explore the new east gallery exhibit hall featuring 14 audio players with recordings from first-hand, written accounts of soldiers who fought at the Battle of Honey Springs, as…
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