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October 2023
“Weapons and Uniforms of the mid-19th century” presentation by Charles R. Lemons
On Saturday, October 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. Charles R. Lemons will make a presentation at the Fort Towson Historic Site. He will be discussing mid-19th-century weapons and uniforms. Lemons is the retired curator of the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor in Fort Knox, Kentucky. This event is free with the price of general admission to the Fort Towson Historic Site museum. Volunteer Militia outfitted with Enfield muskets in front of encampment (AMB/TIN no. 2271 , Ambrotype/Tintype filing…
Find out more »Japanese Stone Craftsman seminar with stone artist Takaaki Saida *fully booked*
On Saturday, October 14, from 3 to 5 p.m., a free seminar on Japanese stone crafts will be held at the Oklahoma History Center. The Japan America Society of Oklahoma, (a non-profit organization promoting Japan-US relations and culture in Oklahoma) organized the event. The seminar will include an overview of the traditions and practices in the art of stone and lantern sculpting, including the history of the Kamaoka stones and the techniques passed on by several generations since 1889. Takaaki…
Find out more »History and Haunts at the Overholser *Sold Out*
In October, the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will host its annual History and Haunts tours. The evening tours at the historic home will take place on Saturday, October 7, 14, 27, 28, and 29, from 6-8 p.m. each night. Visitors will see the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the house and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, September…
Find out more »“Going to Church in Old Greer County” presentation and pump organ performance
On Thursday, October 26, at 7 p.m., come to the Museum of the Western Prairie to hear a presentation and special pump organ performance with the theme “Going to Church in Old Greer County.” Guests will learn more about the traditions formed in the pioneering era of the county. The presentation will include a history of early-day churches in southwest Oklahoma, accompanied by hymns played on a pump organ. The event is free and open to the public. The Museum…
Find out more »History and Haunts at the Overholser *Sold Out*
In October, the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will host its annual History and Haunts tours. The evening tours at the historic home will take place on Saturday, October 7, 14, 27, 28, and 29, from 6-8 p.m. each night. Visitors will see the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the house and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, September…
Find out more »Cemetery Symbols program
The Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue will host a program on the meaning of historic gravestone symbols on Saturday, October 28, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. There will be a lunch break, but lunch is not provided. The event will also include a guided tour of the IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City, led by the museum’s historical interpreter. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue at 580-765-6108. The…
Find out more »History and Haunts at the Overholser *Sold Out*
In October, the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will host its annual History and Haunts tours. The evening tours at the historic home will take place on Saturday, October 7, 14, 27, 28, and 29, from 6-8 p.m. each night. Visitors will see the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the house and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, September…
Find out more »History and Haunts at the Overholser *Sold Out*
In October, the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will host its annual History and Haunts tours. The evening tours at the historic home will take place on Saturday, October 7, 14, 27, 28, and 29, from 6-8 p.m. each night. Visitors will see the home in its nighttime splendor, learn the history of the house and its former occupants, and discover why some say they are still roaming the halls! Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, September…
Find out more »November 2023
“Hunting and Recreational Shooting in the 19th Century” program
On Saturday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Hunter’s Home staff will present a program introducing the traditional use of firearms at a 19th-century farm. Audiences will learn how to use black powder muzzleloaders and how to clean them safely. The audience will also have the opportunity to participate in a turkey shoot to experience a historic shooting sport and will have the chance to win prizes. This program is free with regular admission to Hunter’s Home. c.…
Find out more »February 2024
February Living History: 19th-Century Commerce
In February, every Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., the Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold a living history program about early 19th-century commerce. This come-and-go program will provide an interpretation of commerce among the American Indian nations and other settlers in the area. Examples of goods of the era will be on display. When Fort Gibson was established in 1824, it was the westernmost military outpost of its day. With 300–500 hundred…
Find out more »“The History of John Brown” presentation by Dr. Jennifer Murray
On Saturday, February 3, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, author and teaching associate professor at Oklahoma State University Dr. Jennifer Murray will present “The History of John Brown.” After the presentation, visitors are encouraged to tour the Encountering John Brown exhibit, view the 3D Battle of Honey Springs film, and tour Oklahoma’s largest Civil War battlefield. Dr. Jennifer Murray’s presentation will supplement the history presented in the Encountering John Brown exhibit and add…
Find out more »March 2024
Artillery Demonstrations
On Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Honey Springs Battlefield will host artillery demonstrations highlighting the use of Civil War-era firearms. This outdoor education station will inform visitors about military drills, artillery practices, and ammunition used in the Civil War Battle of Honey Springs. Guests are encouraged to explore the 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. Exhibit installations also…
Find out more »“I Thought This Place Doomed: Emma Caroline Morley and Sterling Price’s Failed Raid of 1864” presentation by Dr. Michelle M. Martin
Dr. Michelle M. Martin, an assistant professor of history and coordinator of the public history certificate in the Department of History at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, will present a program for Women’s History Month at Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center. The presentation is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is titled “I Thought This Place Doomed: Emma Caroline Morley and Sterling Price’s Failed Raid of 1864.” In the fall of 1864, Confederate General…
Find out more »April 2024
Firearms of the Civil War program
On Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Honey Springs Battlefield near Checotah will have live Civil War-era firearms demonstrations. Mr. Seth Goff, Historical Interpreter at Hunter’s Home in Park Hill, will provide background information and live demonstrations with reproduction firearms that would have been used by soldiers who fought at the Battle of Honey Springs. The cost of the program is $10 per person. Please check in at the Honey Springs Battlefield front desk before attending the…
Find out more »May 2024
“Perspectives in History” The Oklahoma History Symposium
Join us on Saturday, May 4, for “Perspectives in History.” Presented by the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), the Oklahoma History Symposium is held each spring at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. This one-day symposium offers scholars, historians, authors, and museum professionals a forum to share their work with history enthusiasts. The Oklahoma History Symposium is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register and for the full details about the event. The…
Find out more »Virtual Field Trip with Dr. Theodore Gonzalves *canceled*
This event has been canceled Dr. Theodore Gonzalves, curator of Asian Pacific American History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, will discuss artifacts and objects featured in his book Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects (2023). Additional material shared during the virtual field trip will include an overview of the Oklahoma History Center Museum’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) educational trunk, a brief lesson on AAPI history, a discussion with students about being a museum curator,…
Find out more »Oklahoma Restaurant Roundtable *postponed*
On Wednesday, May 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center, in collaboration with the Bigger Than Food Foundation, will host an Oklahoma Restaurant Roundtable discussion on the history and evolution of the food industry and restaurants. This roundtable will feature historians and current Oklahoma City metro area restaurant owners. The discussion will take place in the Chesapeake Event Center from 6- 8 p.m., followed by a networking hour from 8-9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. This…
Find out more »Civil War-Era Music Program
Honey Springs Battlefield will host a Civil War-Era music program on Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. The Loco Focos and Shadow Ridge bands will play songs of the Civil War period as closely as possible to their original form while using period instruments. Guests are also encouraged to explore the east and west gallery exhibit halls, which feature a 3D theater, 14 audio players with recordings from first-hand written accounts of soldiers who fought at the Battle of Honey…
Find out more »“Cats and Cathouses” presentation
On Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m., the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library will host a free lecture with authors Chris Enss and Preston Lewis. The program is called “Cats and Cathouses” and will dive into wayward women of the West and cats. Enns is a New York Times bestselling author who has written about women of the Old West for over 30 years. Lewis is a Spur Award-winning author of more than 40 Western, juvenile, and historical novels…
Find out more »Thursday Night Lecture Series: The Will Rogers Medallion Award program with Chris Enss and Preston Lewis
On Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m., Will Rogers Medallion Award Executive Director Chris Enss and award-winning author Preston Lewis will discuss the Will Rogers Medallion Award program at the May Thursday Night Lecture Series at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Preston Lewis is the Spur Award-winning author of more than 40 western, juvenile and historical novels on the Old West as well as numerous articles, short stories and book reviews on the American frontier. About the Will Rogers Medallion Award…
Find out more »“Dirt Tells the Story of Our History” talk with Christina Rich-Splawn
“Dirt Tells the Story of Our History,” a talk with Christina Rich-Splawn, will take place on 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. Follow the Pioneer Woman…
Find out more »June 2024
The Road to Will film screening and discussion with Steve McAllister
Route 66 enthusiast and entertainer Steve McAllister will discuss his experiences traveling the Mother Road, sometimes called the Will Rogers Highway, on Thursday, June 20, at 3 p.m. In this special appearance at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, McAllister will recount his 2022 adventure, during which he rode his motorcycle 10,500 miles through 24 states and Washington, DC (over 84 days) to explore Will Rogers’s legacy. His journey is encapsulated in the documentary he produced, The Road to Will.
Find out more »July 2024
Civil Rights Act of 1964: 60th Anniversary Panel
On July 13, from 10:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center Museum will host a panel discussion to celebrate the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The morning session will focus on civil rights–centered archives, including the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center Archives and Dr. Autumn Brown of the Edmon Low Library’s Oklahoma Oral History Research Program. It will run from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The afternoon session will discuss the legacy, historical context, and influence…
Find out more »“All the World’s Sorrows: Hannah Worcester Hicks and the Civil War in Indian Territory” presentation
On Saturday, July 27, at 10:30 a.m., Dr. Michelle Martin will present “All the World’s Sorrows: Hannah Worcester Hicks and the Civil War in Indian Territory.” During the American Civil War, women and children in the Cherokee Nation suffered tremendously. Hannah Worcester Hicks, the daughter of famed missionary Samuel Austin Worcester and her husband Abijah Hicks (Cherokee), lived near Fort Gibson as the war raged in the western Ozarks. Hannah Hick’s diary provides community members, her descendants, and scholars with…
Find out more »September 2024
“2024 Presente in Oklahoma!”
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. On Tuesday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Oklahoma Historical Society will highlight the history, heritage, and contributions of selected individuals of Hispanic/Latino heritage who have or are contributing to shaping Oklahoma’s culture at “Presente in Oklahoma!” Purchase tickets at www.okhistory.org/presente The honoree luncheon includes a book signing, art performances, and esteemed guest speakers to honor individuals such as Tina Peña of Peru, Patricia Fennell of Ecuador, Veronica…
Find out more »October 2024
Back in Time: “Haunted Heritage” special screening and panel with OETA Producer Robert Burch
On Wednesday, October 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the OETA and the Oklahoma Historical Society will partner to host a hauntingly good special screening of the OETA Back in Time series episode “Haunted Heritage”—just in time for Halloween!
The event will be held at the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center. Uncover the spine-tingling stories that haunt Oklahoma’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good ghost story, this event promises to be a frightfully fun experience!
Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring paranormal investigators, local historians and storytellers will provide insights into the folklore and ghostly tales that shape our understanding of history. State historian Matthew Pearce will moderate, with panelists Chantry Banks, OHS director of museums and historic sites, Robert Burch, OETA producer, Stacy Price, paranormal investigator, and Jeff Provine, professor and author.
Find out more »November 2024
“Oklahoma Calabooses: The History and Stories of Oklahoma’s Early Jails” with Michael Mayes
On Thursday, November 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Oklahoma Territorial Museum will have a program with Michael Mayes, National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) coordinator for the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). He will discuss “Oklahoma Calabooses: The History and Stories of Oklahoma’s Early Jails.” This program is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. About Michael Mayes Michael Mayes holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s in museum…
Find out more »The Shoemaker book discussion and signing with author Retired Major Joe Lee Todd
In honor of Veterans Day, the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division will host a special presentation of The Shoemaker on Wednesday, November 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Musser Learning Lab.
Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame member Rt. Major Joe Lee Todd will discuss Louis Kerbel’s life and times. Todd is the author of The Shoemaker (2021, New Forums Press), a biography of Kerbel based on hours of recorded interviews.
Louis Kerbel was a Russian Jewish man born in Ukraine in 1888 in the village of Roshen. He worked as a shoemaker in Russia. Kerbel lived through unimaginable violence before coming to the United States in 1911 with only 75 cents in his pocket. In 1914, he moved to Oklahoma, where he opened a shoe shop in downtown Tulsa. Due to the violence he endured in Russia, Kerbel felt compelled to assist many African Americans during the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 by concealing them in his shoe shop.
Find out more »“The Black Experience and Route 66” program and pop-up exhibit
On Friday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Choctaw Freedmen Citizen Footprints (CFCF) is partnering with the Oklahoma Historical Society to share and discuss Black experiences on Route 66 in the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. The CFCF will unveil the Oklahoma Freedmen Families and Descendants pop-up exhibit at the event. This exhibit explores the journeys of Freedmen families traveling across Route 66 and other Oklahoma roads, highways, and byways…
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 »January 2025
“Imperialism in the 1890s” presentation with archivist Aaron Preston
Would you like to spend the morning with an archivist? You’ll have a chance on Saturday, January 11, from 10 to 11 a.m.! Come to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center’s Research Center to hear CSRHC’s archivist Aaron Preston make his first presentation as part one of a three-part lecture series for the price of regular museum admission! Part one of the series “A.M. with the Archivist” is entitled “Imperialism in the 1890s.” In this talk, Aaron will discuss the…
Find out more »“The Progressive Era: 1900–1929” presentation with Aaron Preston
On Saturday, January 25, from 10 to 11 a.m., Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center archivist Aaron Preston will present a presentation on the Progressive Era, an overview of the country’s history from 1900 to 1929. The program will examine President Teddy Roosevelt’s policies and national transformations during this time and how these shifts were borne out in the Cherokee Outlet. This is the second program of “A.M. with the Archivist,” a three-part lecture series for the price of regular museum…
Find out more »“The Ties That Bind: The Legacy of Buster Keaton” program with Robert Burch
On Tuesday, January 28, the Cherokee Strip Historical Society (CSHS) will hold its annual meeting and dinner, followed by a program about Buster Keaton (1895–1966). "The Ties That Bind: The Legacy of Buster Keaton" program will be free and open to the public. It will take place at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Center, located at 222 N. 6th St. in Perry. OETA producer, documentary writer, and reporter Robert Burch will lead a discussion about Buster Keaton’s connections to the…
Find out more »February 2025
“The Great Depression in the Cherokee Outlet” presentation with archivist Aaron Preston
On Saturday, February 8, from 10 to 11 a.m., Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center archivist Aaron Preston will present a lecture on the Great Depression in the Cherokee Outlet. The lecture will center on how the Outlet suffered and grew during this time. The research being presented is drawn from oral histories—firsthand accounts of the people who lived through this period. This is the third program of “A.M. with the Archivist,” a three-part lecture series for the price of regular…
Find out more »Oklahoma City Black History Mobile App launch with keynote speaker Bob Dotson
Emmy-winning storyteller Bob Dotson will be the keynote speaker for the February launch of a mobile app designed to familiarize people with Oklahoma City’s Black history. The free app will be introduced at the Oklahoma History Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 15. Visitors can enjoy a photo exhibit, door prizes, and live jazz music. Program schedule: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. registration, music by Jahruba, and mingle 12 to 12:45 p.m. speakers 12:45 to 3…
Find out more »“An Afternoon with General Blunt” presentation with Jim Spillars
On Saturday, February 15, from 1 to 2 p.m., Honey Springs Battlefield will host living historian Jim Spillars, who will portray General Blunt (1826–1881). Spillars will give a presentation on Blunt’s leadership during the Engagement at Honey Springs, which was the largest of more than 107 documented hostile encounters in Indian Territory. He will be dressed in period Civil War attire for this event. James Blunt was a ship captain, a physician, and an abolitionist. He led Indigenous and Black…
Find out more »Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer & Common Man’s Congressman book discussion and signing with author Michael Hightower and David Morgan
On Saturday, February 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., historian and author Michael J. Hightower will have a book discussion and signing at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center for his newest title Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer & Common Man’s Congressman. The book discussion will include David Morgan, who is Dick T. Morgan’s great-grandson. Justice for All chronicles the career of Dick T. Morgan, an Oklahoma founding father whose public service reflects a passion for fairness…
Find out more »Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer & Common Man’s Congressman book discussion and signing with author Michael Hightower and David and Kenyon Morgan
On Wednesday, February 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m., historian and author Michael J. Hightower will have a book discussion and signing at the Oklahoma History Center for his newest title Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer & Common Man’s Congressman. The book discussion will include David and Kenyon Morgan, who are Dick T. Morgan’s great-grandsons. Justice for All chronicles the career of Dick T. Morgan, an Oklahoma founding father whose public service reflects a passion for fairness that was sorely…
Find out more »“Environmental Justice 101” program *registration is full*
Registration for this event is full. Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum and OKC Beautiful for an exciting and informative free program. Dive into the powerful concepts of environmental justice and explore how our environment directly impacts our health and well-being. This event will be held on Friday, February 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The event will start with Abby Randall and Dr. Carrie Leslie, who will lead an engaging lecture called “Environmental Justice 101.”…
Find out more »March 2025
Second Annual Oklahoma Women’s History Conference
The Oklahoma History Center will host the second annual Oklahoma Women’s History Conference on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public, but registration is required. A boxed lunch is available for an additional fee. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch with them. The first panel discussion will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The topic is early Oklahoma women’s activism, and featured speakers are Dr. Edith Ritt-Coulter, Rilla Askew,…
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