Events for May 1, 2023 - June 1, 2023
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May 2023
Clara Luper 100th Birthday Celebration
On Monday, May 1, the Oklahoma History Center will host a Clara Luper Birthday Celebration in honor of her 100th birthday. The event will last from 6–8 p.m. and include a discussion panel facilitated by Dr. Karlos Hill, regents’ professor in the Clara Luper Department of African and African-American Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Members of the panel discussion will include Clara Luper’s daughter, Marilyn Luper Hildreth, and members of the Clara Luper Legacy Committee. This event will focus…
Find out more »Oklahoma National History Day contest
Oklahoma National History Day is more than an academic exercise for thousands of Oklahoma junior high and high school students; it is a tradition. On Wednesday, May 3, and Thursday, May 4, more than 200 6th- through 12th-grade students will present their exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, and papers at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for the opportunity to advance to the National History Day® contest held each summer in the nation's capitol. Due to the size of the…
Find out more »Oklahoma National History Day contest
Oklahoma National History Day is more than an academic exercise for thousands of Oklahoma junior high and high school students; it is a tradition. On Wednesday, May 3, and Thursday, May 4, more than 200 6th- through 12th-grade students will present their exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, and papers at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for the opportunity to advance to the National History Day® contest held each summer in the nation's capitol. Due to the size of the…
Find out more »Spring Agricultural Day
Learn about 19th-century agriculture at Hunter’s Home on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. as staff prepares for the upcoming growing season. Adults and children can check out the gardens, fields, animals, and house observing the changing of seasons at the only remaining pre–Civil War plantation home in Oklahoma. Spring Agriculture Day is included in the price of regular admission to Hunter’s Home. For more information, call 918-456-2751. Hunter’s Home is located at 19479 E. Murrell Home Rd. in…
Find out more »Blacksmithing and Wheel Setting Demonstrations with the Saltfork Craftsmen
Visit the Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry to watch the Saltfork Craftsmen give a Blacksmithing and Wheel Setting Demonstration in the blacksmith shop. The forge will be lit at 10 a.m. and the demonstration will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The wheel setting demonstration will take place at the May 6 gathering 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…
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 in Enid. On the first and third Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the four historic territorial buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village come to life with reenactors dressed in period clothing from the late 1800s. Attendees can sit at school desks in the Turkey Creek one-room schoolhouse while lessons are…
Find out more »“How to Research Your ‘Historic’ Property” webinar
On Monday, May 8, at 1 p.m. (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office will host a FREE webinar about "How to Research Your 'Historic' Property." Historic properties come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and types. In this workshop, learn helpful strategies for researching a variety of property types. Learn about the common sources of information used for property research, including government records, architectural/construction drawings, newspapers, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, and aerial photographs. Agenda Guiding Research Principles Common Sources of…
Find out more »Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII exhibit opens
On Tuesday, May 9, the exhibit Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII opens at the Cherokee Strip and Regional Heritage Center. In the years leading up to World War II, racial segregation and discrimination were part of daily life for many in the United States. For most African Americans, even the most basic rights and services were fragmented or denied altogether. To be Black was to know the limits of freedom—excluded from the very opportunity,…
Find out more »“How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Form” webinar
On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 1 p.m., Matthew Pearce of the State Historic Preservation Office will present a FREE webinar to discuss the preparation needed to complete the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) form. Preparing an NRHP nomination is not an easy task. However, securing the services of an experienced consultant to prepare a nomination can be an expensive undertaking for many individuals and organizations. This webinar will give a step-by-step overview of completing the nomination form, including…
Find out more »Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences in Oklahoma: A Historical Journey
An event at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will highlight the history, heritage and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to Oklahoma. “Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences in Oklahoma: A Historical Journey” will take place on Wednesday, May 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May is AAPI month in the United States. Special honorees of the event will include current State Representative Cyndi Munson, a Korean American; Dr. Thanh Van Anderson of Vietnam; Dr. Jordan Tang…
Find out more »“Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act” webinar
On Wednesday, May 10 at 1 p.m., the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will offer a FREE webinar as an introduction to, or a refresher of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Kristina Wyckoff, SHPO Section 106 coordinator and historical archaeologist, will explain the importance of the Section 106 process. Her position as coordinator is to assist people involved in that process in Oklahoma. This presentation will also include guidance for submitting projects for OKSHPO review. Agenda…
Find out more »“Documenting Post-European Contact Archaeological Sites in Oklahoma” webinar
On Thursday, May 11, at 1 p.m., the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is offering a FREE webinar to provide guidance to archaeologists documenting Post–European Contact archaeological sites in Oklahoma for review by the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office. Agenda Background reviews and recommended resources Field investigations Completing an Oklahoma Archaeological Site Survey form National Register eligibility considerations Register for the webinar Kristina Wyckoff SHPO Section 106 coordinator | historical archaeologist Governor William W. Jenkins Homestead Site in Kay County
Find out more »“Common Men in the Military” living history program
On Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, the Fort Gibson Historic Site will conduct a living history program from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m. all about the common men who served in the military at Fort Gibson. Guests will gain insight into the common men who made up the military. Farmers, blacksmiths, hunters, coopers, and even carpenters made up the ranks of those posted to the outpost. Learn about the reasons common men…
Find out more »Quilting workshop with Martha Ray
The Quilting workshop with Martha Ray meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sod House Museum at a cost of $5 per person. Martha Ray teaches how to create appliqué designs, traditional block patterns, original designs, crazy quilts, landscape designs, and paper piecing. New members of any skill level are always encouraged to attend! Share in the happy exchange of shared skills, fun, and camaraderie, door prizes, refreshments, discussions, and quilt patterns, along…
Find out more »Carriage House Sit and Sew
Sewers of all ages are invited to join the "Carriage House Sit and Sew" at the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion in Oklahoma City. This free monthly event is for makers and crafters of all kinds and all skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their supplies and projects to sew and create in a different setting. Register for each session at https://www.preservationok.org/shop Registration is limited to 20 people. Guests can bring their food and drink. Coffee and water will…
Find out more »“Chicken in the Mail: Union Army Camp Life” program
Visit Honey Springs Battlefield on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for the come-and-go, Civil War-era program “Chicken in the Mail: Union Army Camp Life.” The program will be led by David Reed, Fort Towson Historic Site's historical interpreter. Learn what camp life was like for Union soldiers during the four years of the American Civil War based on items that were exchanged through the mail. Reed will use reproduction items like writing paper, newspapers, and playing cards on…
Find out more »“Common Men in the Military” living history program
On Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, the Fort Gibson Historic Site will conduct a living history program from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m. all about the common men who served in the military at Fort Gibson. Guests will gain insight into the common men who made up the military. Farmers, blacksmiths, hunters, coopers, and even carpenters made up the ranks of those posted to the outpost. Learn about the reasons common men…
Find out more »Second Saturday Sewing Circle
The Fort Towson Historic Site holds a free, informal monthly Sewing Circle every second Saturday. Sewing and historic domestic skills—part of the fort’s history—will be demonstrated and taught. All skill levels are welcome in the group, allowing more experienced guests to guide beginners and share ideas. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects or purchase kits from the site’s gift shop. Monthly programs and special event updates are on the Fort Towson Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.okhistory.org.…
Find out more »Spiro Mounds and WPA Archaeology in Oklahoma book signing by author Dr. Scott Hammerstedt
The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center (SMAC) is pleased to announce a book signing event for the Arcadia Publishing title Spiro Mounds and WPA Archaeology in Oklahoma that will occur in conjunction with the 45th Anniversary and Reopening event taking place at the center on May 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. Dr. Scott Hammerstedt one of the authors, with the Oklahoma Archeological Survey will be in attendance to autograph the books. The book, released on May 1, is a treasure…
Find out more »Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center 45th Anniversary and Reopening
The public is invited to Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center on Saturday, May 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., for a 45th anniversary and reopening celebration of the site. Spiro Mounds opened to the public 45 years ago, on May 9, 1978. The site opened with the help of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey, which remains a strong partner. It is the first and still the only Oklahoma prehistoric American Indian archaeological site open to the public. The celebration will start at…
Find out more »“Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program Overview” webinar
On Tuesday, May 16, at 1 p.m., Sara Werneke of the State Historic Preservation Office will present a FREE webinar that will overview "Historic Preservation Tax Incentives." Participants will learn about the federal and state investment tax credits for certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. A detailed discussion of the Historic Preservation Certification Application, Parts 1, 2, and 3 will guide owners and developers in successfully preparing the information needed for the State Historic Preservation Office to review the…
Find out more »“The Historic Preservation Tax Credit: A Case Study” webinar
On Wednesday, May 17, at 1 p.m., the State Historic Preservation Office will present a FREE webinar on a case study of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Knowing what should be in a Historic Preservation Tax Credit project submission can be daunting—even knowing where to start can be overwhelming. In this workshop, we will look at an actual tax credit project that successfully went through the process and is a certified rehabilitation. We will look at the project from start…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting
Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meetings are scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. However, Executive Committee meetings are not usually held on the months in which the full board meets. Agendas will be available online 24 hours prior to the meeting at okhistory.org/BOARD. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105.
Find out more »Story Time at Hunter’s Home
Every month, from March to June, Hunter’s Home will have a monthly story time for children of all ages. Watch for a new book title to be introduced every third Thursday of each month! Story time titles will feature The Mitten (1996) by Jan Brett in April; Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt (2017), by Kate Messner in May; and Dance at Grandpa’s (1995), by Laura Ingalls Wilder in June. Adding to the stories, parents and children are…
Find out more »Wood Turning Demonstration with the Southeastern Oklahoma Woodturners
On Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of the Southeastern Oklahoma Woodturners Club will be presenting a wood-turning demonstration at Fort Towson Historic Site. This is a come-and-go event will showcase turning wood on a lathe, wood carving, and other masterful skills of the woodturners club. Craftsmen will be demonstrating the process of turning pieces of wood into wonderful and often usable pieces of art such as bowls and rolling pins.
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 in Enid. On the first and third Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the four historic territorial buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village come to life with reenactors dressed in period clothing from the late 1800s. Attendees can sit at school desks in the Turkey Creek one-room schoolhouse while lessons are…
Find out more »Annual Picnic
The Indian Women's Pocahontas Club (Cherokee) would like to invite you to a very special day at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in Oologah on Saturday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The club will be hosting its annual picnic, which celebrates Cherokee heritage and brings people together for a relaxing afternoon.
Find out more »Kids Make History
On the third Saturday of each month, young visitors are encouraged to learn about history through fun, hands-on historic activities during the Kids Make History series at the Fort Towson Historic Site. The research-based programs will include games, cooking, historic arts and crafts, and reenacting skills. On May 20, 2023, at 1 p.m., the focus of the Kids Make History meeting will be on the art of photographing nature. Attendees will first learn about various photography techniques. Next, they will…
Find out more »1880s-era Baseball Game
During the annual picnic festivities taking place at Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch on Saturday, May 20, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum's (WRMM) baseball team will be conducting an 1880s-era baseball game, starting at 2 p.m. Experience how America's pastime began! Bring the family and your gloves to learn about the history of baseball while watching a 19th–century-style baseball game. If you like "round ball," have a good throwing arm, love to hit dingers, or, just in general have baseball fever,…
Find out more »Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission meeting
The meeting of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 1 p.m. Agendas will be posted at 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 »Built from the Fire Panel Discussion and Book Signing with Victor Luckerson
The Oklahoma Historical Society is proud to present a panel discussion and book signing with Victor Luckerson, author of Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, America’s Black Wall Street (2023). Luckerson will lead a discussion about the book and the importance of archiving in the telling and shaping of Black history. Joining him will be David Goodwin, principal/operations for the Oklahoma Eagle and descendant of the Goodwin family featured in the book, and Sydnee Monday,…
Find out more »Leather Repair demonstration
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will host a leather repair demonstration. Participants can sign up for Friday, May 26, or Saturday, May 27. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m. on both days. Attendees will learn leather repair skills, including how to properly clean, repair and care for leather items. Leather was used in various parts of a soldier’s uniform in the 1800s and 1900s, including vests, coats, boots and…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring The Sandlot (1993)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a Movie Night featuring the film The Sandlot (1993), in its theater on Friday, May 26, 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 to attend, thanks to sponsorship by the Bank of Commerce. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Will Rogers Movie Night is held on the last Friday of the month.
Find out more »Scavenger Hunt
On Saturday, May 27 come to Hunter's Home to hunt for and learn about items from the 19th century by taking part in a scavenger hunt inside the historic Hunter's Home, and on the grounds of the rural property. The activities are perfect for children ages 6 to 12, There will be prizes given to those who are able to complete the entire scavenger hunt! Visitors can also experience living history interpreters demonstrating 19th-century trades, daily chores, cooking, gardening, and…
Find out more »Leather Repair demonstration
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will host a leather repair demonstration. Participants can sign up for Friday, May 26, or Saturday, May 27. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m. on both days. Attendees will learn leather repair skills, including how to properly clean, repair and care for leather items. Leather was used in various parts of a soldier’s uniform in the 1800s and 1900s, including vests, coats, boots and…
Find out more »Jelly/Jam Canning workshop
A Jelly/Jam Canning workshop will be held at the Fort Towson Historic Site on Saturday, May 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. with instructor Kris Bailey, Choctaw County, family and consumer sciences educator, Oklahoma State University Extension. Bailey will be leading the canning workshop, giving participants a chance to learn how to safely preserve jelly and jam before getting hands-on experience with the process. She will teach how to make a quick batch of grape jelly and strawberry jam which…
Find out more »History Day Camp
Fort Towson Historic Site will host “History Day Camp” for kids ages nine to 15 from Tuesday, May 30, through Thursday, June 1. The camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The three-day camp will center on the theme of “sensing the past.” Focuses will include history, archaeology, military drills, old-fashioned games, and crafts. The site’s staff and historical interpreters will encourage learning through experiences, sights, smells, tastes, and sounds that spark the imagination. During the…
Find out more »A. Day’s Work art exhibit closes
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library in Guthrie will showcase the art exhibit entitled A. Day’s Work through Wednesday, May 31. It will feature pieces from Oklahoma-based mixed media artist Andrea Day. Artist's Statement: "Oklahoma-based Mixed Media Artist and citizen of Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Andrea Day is traditional "Mvskoke gone MODERN" with a New York City twist. After more than a decade of performing music on the world stage, Andrea returned to Oklahoma where she focuses full time on…
Find out more »History Day Camp
Fort Towson Historic Site will host “History Day Camp” for kids ages nine to 15 from Tuesday, May 30, through Thursday, June 1. The camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The three-day camp will center on the theme of “sensing the past.” Focuses will include history, archaeology, military drills, old-fashioned games, and crafts. The site’s staff and historical interpreters will encourage learning through experiences, sights, smells, tastes, and sounds that spark the imagination. During the…
Find out more »June 2023
Vintage Snack Sets exhibit opens
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy will feature an exhibit of Vintage Snack Sets from Thursday, June 1 to Friday, June 30. When women in the mid-20th century hosted teas, coffees, or church socials, they would wear their “Sunday best” and bring out pretty snack sets that included a plate with a round indention to hold the matching cup. This exhibit includes pieces by manufacturers such as Anchor Hocking, Hazel-Atlas, the Indiana Glass Company, Royal Windsor, Queen Anne,…
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