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March 2024
Sunrise Service
On Easter Sunday—March 31, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual nondenominational Sunrise Service. The service will begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Blue Hawk Peak, the highest point on the ranch grounds. The Pawnee Ministerial Alliance leads the service and is a community-wide tradition. Participants are asked to bring their own seating and dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Find out more »April 2024
Lunch and Learn: “African-Diasporic Peoples of Oklahoma and Indian Territories: Genealogy, Story & Culture” presentation by Shelby R. B. Ward
On Thursday, April 11, from noon to 1:15 p.m., the State Historic Preservation Office will host a free webinar with Shelby R. B. Ward. The State of Oklahoma and Indian Territories are home to various African-Diasporic people groups, from Five Tribes Freedmen Communities to All-Black Towns and beyond. In this “Lunch and Learn” webinar, attorney, genealogist, and community historian Shelby Ward (Choctaw Freedman) will address key themes in the genealogy of African-descendent peoples and share research tips for people exploring…
Find out more »Free Museum Day at Oklahoma Territorial Museum
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library will open its doors to visitors on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with FREE ADMISSION in conjunction with the 2024 ‘89er Parade and Celebration, taking place from April 16–20 in Historic Downtown Guthrie. Every year, the celebration includes a large community parade, and guests are encouraged to visit the town’s historic buildings and museum. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is located at 406 East Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie. To see…
Find out more »“Dirt Tells the Story of Our History” talk with Christina Rich-Splawn *postponed due to weather*
“Dirt Tells the Story of Our History,” a talk with Christina Rich-Splawn, has been postponed due to weather until Saturday, May 25, at 3 p.m. at The Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue. Christina Rich-Splawn will give a talk about her passion for archaeology and history. She will have a show-and-tell with some artifacts and discuss some archaeological digs she has attended. There will also be a discussion about the importance of maintaining, interpreting, and honoring our prehistoric and historic sites.…
Find out more »May 2024
The Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program Overview
On Monday, May 13, from 10 to 11 a.m., the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will have a free webinar featuring an overview of the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program. Sara Werneke will be the featured presenter. 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…
Find out more »Summer Sounds Concert featuring Jason Scott and High Heat
Join The Chisholm on the third Thursday of May, June, July, and August for a free Summer Sounds Concert series. Plan to come early and enjoy dinner from a featured food truck beginning at 6 p.m., spread out your favorite blanket, set up a comfy lawn chair, and enjoy live music from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Horizon Hill, the home of territorial governor A. J. Seay. The family-friendly event is free. For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176.…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Angels in the Outfield (1994)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a FREE Movie Night featuring the film Angels in the Outfield (1994) in its theater on Friday, May 31. Admission to the movie is free, and guests can also enjoy free popcorn and drinks while watching the film, thanks to the Bank of Commerce’s sponsorship. Seating is limited, so the doors will open at 6 p.m. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »June 2024
Juneteenth Celebration: “Honor, Reflect, and Celebrate!” program
The Oklahoma Historical Society will celebrate Juneteenth with a free program at the Oklahoma History Center on Tuesday, June 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation following the U.S. Civil War. U.S. Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery in Texas at Galveston on June 19, 1865. This news and celebration spread to the enslaved people of Indian Territory throughout that summer. The event, titled “2024 Juneteenth: Honor, Reflect, and Celebrate!,” will educate…
Find out more »Summer Sounds Concert with musical duo Jim Garling and Susanne Woolley
Join The Chisholm on the third Thursday of May, June, July, and August for a free Summer Sounds Concert series. Plan to come early and enjoy dinner from a featured food truck beginning at 6 p.m., spread out your favorite blanket, set up a comfy lawn chair, and enjoy live music from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Horizon Hill, the home of territorial governor A. J. Seay. The family-friendly event is free. For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176.…
Find out more »“Masonic Lodges of Oklahoma” presented by Kenneth Sivard
On Thursday, June 27, at 2 p.m. (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office will host a free webinar with Oklahoma Historical Society board member Kenneth Sivard. The presentation will be about the Masonic Lodges of Oklahoma, exploring their history and architectural style. Register for the webinar. About Kenneth Sivard A sixth-generation McCurtain County native, Kenny Sivard is a long-time McCurtain County Historical Society (MCHS) member and was elected president of the organization in 2009. Working with the MCHS,…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Babe (1995)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a FREE Movie Night featuring the film Babe (1995) in its theater on Friday, June 28. Admission to the movie is free, and guests can also enjoy free popcorn and drinks while watching the film, thanks to the Bank of Commerce’s sponsorship. Because seating is limited, the doors will open at 6 p.m. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »July 2024
Summer Sounds Concert with Mackynsie McKedy and the McKedy Band
Join The Chisholm on the third Thursday of May, June, July, and August for a free Summer Sounds Concert series. Plan to come early and enjoy dinner from a featured food truck beginning at 6 p.m., spread out your favorite blanket, set up a comfy lawn chair, and enjoy live music from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Horizon Hill, the home of territorial governor A. J. Seay. The family-friendly event is free. For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176.…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Rock-a-Doodle (1991)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a FREE Movie Night featuring the film Rock-a-Doodle (1991) in its theater on Friday, July 26. Admission to the movie is free, and guests can also enjoy free popcorn and drinks while watching the film, thanks to the Bank of Commerce’s sponsorship. Because seating is limited, the doors will open at 6 p.m. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »August 2024
Teacher Resource Social at the First Americans Museum
The 2024 Teacher Resource Social will be held at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, August 6, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. The Teacher Resource Social, formerly known as the Back to School Bash, is an annual resource fair that brings museums and other organizations together to offer resources for teachers to plan for the upcoming school year. The event is a great opportunity for educators to network, share resources, and connect with organizations and colleagues from around…
Find out more »Lunch and Learn: “Collections in the Edmon Low Library Maps and Spatial Data Division” webinar with Kevin Dyke
On Thursday, August 8, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office will hold a free webinar in its “Lunch and Learn” series about the collections in the Edmon Low Library Maps and Spatial Data Division with the library’s maps and spatial curator, Kevin Dyke. He will discuss the collections and provide guidance about accessing these materials. Register for the webinar. Kevin Dyke is an associate professor and the maps and spatial data curator at Edmon Low Library. The Edmon Low…
Find out more »Summer Sounds Concert with Travis Kidd
Join The Chisholm for a free Summer Sounds Concert with Oklahoma singer/songwriter Travis Kidd. Plan to come early and enjoy dinner from a featured food truck beginning at 6 p.m., spread out your favorite blanket, set up a comfy lawn chair, and enjoy live music from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Horizon Hill, the home of territorial governor A. J. Seay. The family-friendly event is free. For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176. About Travis Kidd: “As a full-time…
Find out more »September 2024
Lunch and Learn: “Archaeological Investigations at Tipi Ring Sites in Cimarron County” webinar
On Wednesday, September 18, at noon (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office will hold a free webinar in its Lunch and Learn Series about the “Archaeological Investigations at Tipi Ring Sites in Cimarron County.” Register for the webinar. Brandi Bethke, laboratory director for the Oklahoma Archaeological Survey, will be the featured presenter. Kristina Wyckoff, the State Preservation Office's historical archaeologist, will help to facilitate the webinar.
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Shaun the Sheep (2015)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a FREE Movie Night featuring the classic film Shaun the Sheep (2015) in its theater on Friday, September 27. Admission to the movie is free, and guests can also enjoy free popcorn and drinks while watching the film, thanks to the Bank of Commerce’s sponsorship. Because seating is limited, the doors will open at 6 p.m. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »October 2024
Lunch and Learn: “Chapman Ranches”
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office will hold a free webinar on the history of the Chapman Ranches. Register for the webinar. The Chapman family – P. A. and Roxana Chapman and their children and grandchildren – are well known for their role in the oil and gas industry and as prominent philanthropists in Oklahoma and Texas. Less known is their significance as innovative agriculturalists in both states. John Chapman operated the family’s Chapman…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Frankenstein (1931)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a FREE Movie Night featuring the film Frankenstein (1931) in its theater on Friday, October 25. Admission to the movie is free, and guests can also enjoy free popcorn and drinks while watching the film, thanks to the Bank of Commerce’s sponsorship. Because seating is limited, the doors will open at 6 p.m. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »145th Army Band public performance
The 145th Army Band, also recognized as “The Governor’s Own,” will play for the general public on Saturday, October 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The band will play various selections, including jazz, show tunes, classics, and patriotic music. The mission of the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 145th Army Band is to provide music that promotes troop morale, unit spirit, and civil/military relations in support of military operations. The 145th Army Band has had…
Find out more »Halloween Night at the Museum
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host Halloween Night at the Museum on Thursday, 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. Businesses and individuals will share treats and a costume contest will be held with prizes for the best costumes. Halloween Night at the Museum is free and open to all ages. This event has attracted hundreds of costumed characters to…
Find out more »November 2024
The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club wreath laying and “Hats off to Will” luncheon
The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club (Cherokee) will hold a special wreath laying and “Hats off to Will” luncheon on Saturday, November 2, beginning at 10 a.m. The Pocahontas Club will lay a wreath at 10 a.m., to be followed by entertainment and a meal. Admission to the event is free.
Find out more »Will Rogers’s Birthday Party with trick ropers Kevin and Will Fitzpatrick
On Saturday, November 2, following the Will Rogers Days Parade, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum will celebrate the 145th anniversary of Oklahoma’s Favorite Son, Will Rogers. He was born on November 4, 1879, in the Cooweescoowee District of the Cherokee Nation. World Champion trick roper Kevin Fitzpatrick and his son Will Fitzpatrick will perform at the birthday party. The birthday celebration on the WRMM grounds will include free admission, cake, and other family-friendly activities.
Find out more »Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis (2024) book release with Douglas K. Miller
The Oklahoma Historical Society is thrilled to host the book release for Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis (2024) by Douglas K. Miller on the evening of Tuesday, November 12. Dr. Miller will discuss his research on Jesse Ed Davis, a Kiowa/Comanche guitarist who collaborated with music legends such as Bob Dylan, B.B. King, and John Lennon. The book chronicles Davis’s rise from Oklahoma to international fame in the 1960s and 70s, examining his…
Find out more »“Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)” webinar
On Wednesday, November 13, at 10 a.m. (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office (OKSHPO) will host a free webinar to provide an overview of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This training is intended to provide and introduction or refresher to Section 106 of the NHPA. The OKSHPO strives to convey the importance of the Section 106 process and to assist those who may be involved in the process in Oklahoma. This presentation addresses the basic…
Find out more »Embroidery Workshop for Beginners
On Saturday, November 16, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Hunter’s Home will hold a free workshop teaching beginners the skill of embroidery. This workshop is best for ages 12 and up. All supplies will be provided, including hoops, fabric, embroidery floss, needles, and sewing accessories. The workshop will be held inside the Hunter's Home kitchen or on the east porch, depending on the weather.
Find out more »December 2024
“I Never Found a Fossil I Didn’t Like” presentation with geologist Dr. Chris Shelton
On Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m., Rogers State University assistant professor Dr. Chris Shelton will discuss his experiences and research projects conducted while living in South Africa. Based at the University of Cape Town, Shelton worked with fossilized bone tissue of animals called Therapsids, which are older than dinosaurs. This free program will interest scientific minds! “Shelton holds a doctorate in vertebrate paleontology/paleohistology from the University of Bonn in Germany. Shelton’s earth science courses at RSU explore prehistoric life…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring The Polar Express (2004)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore (WRMM) is planning a special Polar Express Movie Night on Friday, December 13. The theatre’s doors will open at 6 p.m., and the movie will begin at 7 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to wear cozy Christmas pajamas for this fun screening of the classic animated film The Polar Express. The event will feature Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and Christmas treats, just in time to celebrate the season! Thanks to the Bank of Commerce sponsorship, this event is FREE to attend. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »January 2025
Lunch and Learn: “Preservation and Perseverance: Care Before It’s Gone” webinar
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will hold a free webinar at noon on Tuesday, January 21, to discuss the new 10-year state plan, which was released on January 1, 2025. SHPO staff will review the basics of the new state plan and what you can do to support preservation in your community. This Lunch and Learn session is free to the public, but registration is required. Register for the webinar. See all available webinars through the State Historic Preservation…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Will Rogers in Life Begins at 40 (1932)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will show the movie Life Begins at 40 (1932) at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore on Friday, January 31. Movie Night is a popular community event, offering a place for family and friends to connect on the last Friday of the month. The doors to the theatre open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is…
Find out more »February 2025
Lunch and Learn: “Finding your Native Roots: the Dawes Rolls” with Laura Martin webinar
On Wednesday, February 19, at noon, (Central Time), Laura Martin, deputy director of the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division, will explain what the Dawes Rolls are and how you can use them to find your ancestors. Register for the “Finding your Roots” webinar. See a full list of webinars available through the State Historic Preservation Office. A detail of a page of the Dawes Rolls, Library of Congress.
Find out more »Saving the Sacred: “Preserving America’s Stained Glass: Unveiling Challenges, Myths and Pathways to Sustainability” with Megan McElfresh
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central Time, the State Historic Preservation Office will host a free webinar entitled Saving the Sacred: “Preserving America’s Stained Glass: Unveiling Challenges, Myths and Pathways to Sustainability” with Megan McElfresh. Megan McElfresh, Executive Director of the Stained Glass Association of America, explores the challenges of preserving stained glass across America’s sacred spaces. She debunks myths of stained glass as a “lost art” and highlights its experimental history and ongoing struggles, including fluctuating…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring The Princess Diaries (2001)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will show the movie The Princess Diaries (2001) at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore on Friday, February 28. Movie Night is a popular community event, offering a place for family and friends to connect on the last Friday of the month. The doors to the theatre open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is limited,…
Find out more »March 2025
Fort Towson Living History Education Day
The Fort Towson Historic Site will host a full day of educational experiences on Thursday, March 6. The site will bring history to life with Living History Education Day—a FREE EVENT! This event demonstrates what life was like at Fort Towson more than 180 years ago, with multiple learning experiences about life at the military outpost during the 1840s when it was a vital resupply point for soldiers headed south to engage in the Mexican-American War. The fort will be…
Find out more »Mid-Afternoon Frolic Talent Show
On Friday, March 21, from 1 to 3 p.m., 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. Preregistration is required! Register for the Talent Show
Find out more »Dutch Oven Gathering *postponed*
The Fort Towson Historic Site's Dutch Oven Gathering, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, has been postponed due to a concern for fire danger. Musical guests Zoetrope Old Time and Celtic Music with Wayne and Brenda Cantwell will perform live on the day, and lemonade will be served at the Sutler’s Store. FREE for participants and guests, and all are welcome to attend. The talents of local cast iron chefs will be displayed at the…
Find out more »2025 Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival
The Oklahoma History Center will hold the 2025 Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will encourage the exploration of historic and modern agriculture. There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages. The festival will offer many educational opportunities and experiences, including chuckwagon cooking and nutrition demonstrations, livestock, a petting zoo, various crafts, and story time. In addition, several Made-in-Oklahoma vendors will attend to illustrate how…
Find out more »Lunch and Learn: “Federal Helium System (Texas to Kansas)” webinar
On Tuesday, March 25, at noon (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office will host a webinar with Stantec to discuss the history of the federal helium project as it moved from Texas through Oklahoma to Kansas. Register for the webinar.
Find out more »Movie Night featuring The Prince of Egypt (2018)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will show the movie The Prince of Egypt (2018) at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore on Friday, March 28. Movie Night is a popular community event, offering a place for family and friends to connect on the last Friday of the month. The doors to the theatre open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is…
Find out more »