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June 2022
OU and OAS Summer Archaeological Research concludes
Students and faculty of the University of Oklahoma and staff of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey are performing a month of excavations at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center through June 17. Visitors are welcome to observe the research and ask questions at this unique learning experience. Under the direction of Dr. Scott Hammerstedt, Dr. Amanda Regnier and Dr. Patrick Livingood, students will be excavating areas of interest from recent remote sensing projects. This is the first excavation at the site since 2014…
Find out more »“Writing in the 1800s” living history program
On Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, Fort Gibson Historic Site will be holding a living history program to demonstrate writing techniques and materials of the 19th century. Visitors will see writing implements, inks, papers, and other supplies used in scribing letters and official documents. In the 1800s, writing was the common method of long-distance communication. At Fort Gibson, staff used writing to create records, reports, and in tracking troop movement. In that era, writing was vital to the…
Find out more »Pioneer Family Fun Day
The Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue in Ponca City will be hosting Pioneer Family Fun Day with educational, hands-on pioneer crafts and activities on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most of the festivities will be held outdoors on the museum grounds. The museum will be open for guests to enjoy the exhibits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue is located at 701 Monument Road in Ponca City. For more information,…
Find out more »Family Day at the Birthplace Ranch: 19th-Century Baseball Game
Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch will be hosting Family Day at the Ranch from 1 to 3 p.m. Take the family out to the ball game! Bring the family to the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch to learn about the history of baseball and enjoy watching a 19th-century-style baseball game. Admission is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase at the game.
Find out more »“Functional Fiber Arts” living history program
On Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25, Fort Gibson Historic Site will be holding a living history program to demonstrate the many uses of functional fiber arts. Visitors will be treated to examples of crafts such as twined bags and finger woven belts, along with a discussion of the wide variety of uses for these beautiful pieces of functional art. Fiber arts provided many functions beyond personal and artistic expression. Upon arrival to the Americas, colonists encountered many different…
Find out more »July 2022
Museum After Dark: Home on the Range, an evening with artist Dallas Mayer
On Saturday, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., exhibiting artist Dallas Mayer will have a painting demonstration in the museum as a part of her Home on the Range: Dallas Mayer Art Show on exhibit this summer at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC).
Mayer will introduce her work that is exhibited at the CSRHC and provide insights into her process as an artist. She will also be holding a live painting demonstration showcasing her approach and style. In this special evening program, Mayer will lead a discussion on the subject matter of western landscapes that most inspires her work. The artist's pastel, watercolor, and oil works will be available to purchase.
Find out more »August 2022
Family Fun Day
Experience Family Fun Day at the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School in Perry on Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy this free admission day full of cake walks, apple peeling, sack races, rope-making demonstrations, living history gunfights and live banjo music. The Rose Hill schoolmarm will hold short class sessions, a petting zoo will be on-site, and a fun photo station will be set up at the jail. The…
Find out more »Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In and National Day of Remembrance
On Saturday, August 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., aviation enthusiasts will mark 86 years since Will Rogers and Wiley Post died in an Alaska plane crash. To honor their memory, pilots of small planes will land on a 2,000-foot grass strip at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, adjacent to the house where Rogers was born in 1879. The fly-in is an opportunity for the public to get an up-close look at vintage and late-model small aircraft and visit…
Find out more »“Hardtack and Hard Times: Civil War Food” living history program
On Saturday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Honey Springs Battlefield will host “Hardtack and Hard Times,” a come-and-go presentation about Civil War food. Historian Dave Fowler and the Honey Springs Battlefield staff will tell guests about what foods were commonly available in the Civil War era, and allow visitors to experience some of these provisions. Soldiers and settlers had to gather, hunt, grow, and prepare food to sustain their lives in the Civil War era. Learn about…
Find out more »September 2022
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 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 »“Traveling by Keelboat” living history program
On Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, join the staff and volunteers at Fort Gibson Historic Site as they demonstrate the operations of a keelboat during a special riverside living history program. The tours to the riverside will run at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on both days. These riverside demonstrations will show visitors the skills needed to operate a keelboat, which was the way goods and supplies were originally delivered to Fort Gibson. Guests are encouraged…
Find out more »“A Long Walk in the Sun: Mexican-American War Days”
Fort Towson Historic Site will host “A Long Walk in the Sun: Mexican-American War Days” on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will feature an encampment set in the 1846–1848 time period of the Mexican-American War. There will be educational presentations and opportunities to interact with experts in the fields of infantry, mountain howitzers, dragoons, and field artillery. The public is invited to attend “A Long Walk in the Sun” to view demonstrations and…
Find out more »October 2022
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 »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 »November 2022
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 »December 2022
Bake Day and Gingerbread Decorating
Visit Fort Gibson Historic Site for a special Bake Day on Saturday, December 17, at 10 a.m. The staff at the fort will cook fresh bread and batches of gingerbread cookies just in time for the holidays! Fresh batches of bread will be ready at noon and again at 3 p.m., and big batches of gingerbread cookies will be available throughout the day starting at 11 a.m. The smell of fresh-baked bread will fill the crisp fall air on Garrison Hill…
Find out more »January 2023
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 »February 2023
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 »Hands-On Historic Skills: Preparing the Garden
Get ready for garden season with this hands-on workshop presented by Marty Montague, OSU Extension agricultural educator. Marty will share information on preparing and amending the soil, crop selection and timing, and provide take-home information for guests. Participants will get their hands in the soil as they learn how to mark rows in the garden. This class is presented FREE as a partnership with Oklahoma Historical Society and OSU Extension. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Fort Towson…
Find out more »March 2023
1840s Encampment
On Friday, March 3, Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, the Fort Towson Historic Site will host an 1840s Encampment on its grounds. This three-day living history event will give observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. The historic site will be open and free to the public each day of the encampment, holding historic skills demonstrations throughout the day. Tents will dot the grounds, and the fort will be brought back to life with reenactors…
Find out more »Blacksmithing Demonstrations with the Saltfork Craftsmen
Visit the Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry to watch the Saltfork Craftsmen give a blacksmithing demonstration on Saturday, November 4. The forge will be lit at 10 a.m., and the demonstrations will take place until 2 p.m. The Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association is a non-profit organization of amateur and professional craftsmen. Guests can watch the craftsmen work and will have an opportunity for safe hands-on experiences. This educational event is free to attend, but donations are appreciated. For more information,…
Find out more »“Early 19th-Century Trading” living history program
On Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m., on both days, Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold a living history program about early 19th-century trading. This come-and-go program will provide an interpretation of trade that occurred among the American Indian nations and other settlers in the area. Examples of trade goods of the era will be on display. When Fort Gibson was established in 1824, it was the westernmost military…
Find out more »“School of the Soldier” living history program
On Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m., Fort Gibson Historic Site will conduct "School of the Soldier," a come-and-go living history program, free with paid admission. Just like the modern-day military, 19th-century soldiers were expected to attend school sessions. While learning basics like drilling and troop movement, soldiers were also taught in the classroom. During this living history weekend, staff will demonstrate a variety of 19th-century military…
Find out more »“Hands-On Historic Skills: Dutch Oven Cooking”
On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Fort Towson Historic Site welcomes visitors to take part in the Hands-On Historic Skills series of demonstrations.
Every month, guests can try their hand at using period artifacts and tools with the guidance of Fort Towson staff members and historical interpreters. Hands-on demonstrations allow individuals to experience the past by touching, using and gaining an appreciation for historical objects while in the Fort Towson setting.
Updates on monthly programs and special events can be found on the Fort Towson Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.okhistory.org. For more information, email fttowson@history.ok.gov or call 580-873-2634. The Fort Towson Historic Site is located north of U.S. 70 near Fort Towson.
Find out more »April 2023
Spring Bake Day
On Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the smell of fresh-baked bread will once again permeate Fort Gibson Historic Site. Bake Day is a unique and delicious experience for the public to enjoy. Staff will operate the oven all day Saturday, and the fresh loaves will be available around noon and 3:30 p.m. from the tent in front of the bakehouse. There is no cost to sample the fresh-baked bread, but donations are appreciated. Fort Gibson coffee…
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 »“The Coalition of Historical Trekkers” living history program
The Coalition of Historical Trekkers (COHT) will be at Fort Gibson Historic Site from April 13–15, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the palisade fort. The COHT is a group of living historians dedicated to the preservation and study of the pre-1860 frontier people in America. COHT has deeply researched the lifeways of the pre-1860 frontier people, including what foods, clothing, weapons, and methods were authentic to those used by early frontier people in America. The COHT…
Find out more »“The Coalition of Historical Trekkers” living history program
The Coalition of Historical Trekkers (COHT) will be at Fort Gibson Historic Site from April 13–15, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the palisade fort. The COHT is a group of living historians dedicated to the preservation and study of the pre-1860 frontier people in America. COHT has deeply researched the lifeways of the pre-1860 frontier people, including what foods, clothing, weapons, and methods were authentic to those used by early frontier people in America. The COHT…
Find out more »“The Coalition of Historical Trekkers” living history program
The Coalition of Historical Trekkers (COHT) will be at Fort Gibson Historic Site from April 13–15, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the palisade fort. The COHT is a group of living historians dedicated to the preservation and study of the pre-1860 frontier people in America. COHT has deeply researched the lifeways of the pre-1860 frontier people, including what foods, clothing, weapons, and methods were authentic to those used by early frontier people in America. The COHT…
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 »“Traveling by Keelboat” living history program
On Saturday, April 22, staff and volunteers at the Fort Gibson Historic Site will demonstrate the operations of a working keelboat during the special riverside program “Traveling by Keelboat.” This is a good opportunity to learn about the history of water travel and transport in the 19th century. Historians at the riverside will ensure the safety of guests while teaching about the skills needed to operate a keelboat, and how these vessels were depended on to deliver goods and supplies…
Find out more »Hands-On Historic Skills: Genealogical Research
On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Fort Towson Historic Site welcomes visitors to take part in the Hands-On Historic Skills series of demonstrations.
Every month, guests can try their hand at using period artifacts and tools with the guidance of Fort Towson staff members and historical interpreters. Hands-on demonstrations allow individuals to experience the past by touching, using and gaining an appreciation for historical objects while in the Fort Towson setting.
Updates on monthly programs and special events can be found on the Fort Towson Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.okhistory.org. For more information, email fttowson@history.ok.gov or call 580-873-2634. The Fort Towson Historic Site is located north of U.S. 70 near Fort Towson.
Find out more »“Glass and a Glass!” glass fusing class
On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue will host a special glass fusing class, “Glass and a Glass!,” with artist Audrey Schmitz. In two sessions—one at 1 p.m. and another at 3 p.m.— participants will make a “meadow flower”–themed suncatcher to take home with them. Participants will learn about the process of making fused glass while enjoying a complimentary drink. No prior experience with glass is required to create original art, have fun, and get your…
Find out more »May 2023
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 »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 »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 »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 »