History OffCenter
History OffCenter focuses on immersive, engaging experiences. With an emphasis on community outreach, this series features programs that explore a variety of Oklahoma history topics and historical eras.
Upcoming Events
Check back to find out about upcoming History OffCenter events.
Past Events
“OkieKaraoke”
The Oklahoma Historical Society and OKPOP hosted “OkieKaraoke” on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. inside Cabin Boys Brewery in Tulsa. The public was invited to show up in their best Oklahoma-inspired gear to sing their favorite Oklahoma songs.
A Very OK Podcast LIVE: The Bob Wills Story
A live recording of A Very OK Podcast took place on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Ponyboy in Oklahoma City. A panel discussion focused on the life of Bob Wills—the “King of Western Swing”—who was born on March 6, 1905. To commemorate Bob Wills’ birthday, it was also Bob Wills Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
This program is a partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Council, the official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Oklahoma.
“History Offcenter: Historic Native American Regalia in Today’s Society”
On Wednesday, November 30, the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will present “History Offcenter: Historic Native American Regalia in Today’s Society.”
Jake Tiger, historical preservation officer and member of the Seminole Nation, will lead the free discussion at OK Cider Co., located at 705 W. Sheridan Ave. in Oklahoma City, starting at 6 p.m. Tiger is an expert on Seminole textiles and traditional garments.
Oklahoma Trivia Night at Angry Scotsman Brewing
Can you name Oklahoma’s largest county by area? Do you know the Oklahoma hometown of the man who voiced Donald Duck? It’s time to dust off your thinking cap for Oklahoma Trivia Night! History OffCenter, a project of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), will host Oklahoma Trivia Night on Thursday, September 8, starting at 6 p.m. at Angry Scotsman Brewing, located at 704 West Reno Avenue in Oklahoma City.
Questions cover topics including geography, politics, popular culture, sports and everything in between. Put a team together and make your high school Oklahoma history teacher proud. The Oklahoma Historical Society will provide prizes for the winners.
Oklahoma Trivia Night is hosted by History OffCenter and BanjoBug Trivia.
A Night in the Life: The Swinging Sixties
Friday, October 18, 2019 | Oklahoma History Center
The third annual OHS fundraising gala took us through the 1960s. Oklahoma City radio icon Ronnie Kaye was our DJ and emcee, and guests enjoyed live music from Jimmy Dale Richardson with the Oklahoma Showgirls, dancing, and entertainment. The Savoy Trio channeled “the Rat Pack” in a more relaxed venue. The evening included a photo booth, heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks from the period, a dress-up station, vignettes, a raffle, and more! The proceeds from this event help to fund OHS exhibits, educational programming, and collections care.
Oklahoma Trivia Night at The Pump Bar
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Can you name Oklahoma’s largest county by area? Do you know the Oklahoma hometown of the man who voiced Donald Duck? Did you know that green corn is both a vegetable and a rebellion? Host John Souders quizzed Oklahomans in our second annual Oklahoma Trivia Night at The Pump Bar on Thursday, July 18, 2019.
Thanks to Oklahoma's Credit Union for donating one of our prizes for the night!
A Night in the Life: 1940s Flyboys and Riveting Gals
Friday, October 19, 2018 | Oklahoma History Center
The second annual fundraising gala was a step back into the 1940s. Our USO Show featured dancing and live music, while the Officers’ Club offered a relaxed setting for mingling. Food, drinks, vignettes, a photo booth and dress-up station, and samples of SPAM completed the evening’s entertainment!
Heritage Hills Bike Tour
Saturday, September 8, 2018 | Free
History OffCenter’s second bike tour met at Overholser Mansion and explored the history of Heritage Hills with historian Dr. Bob Blackburn. The tour ended at the Overholser Mansion followed by picnics and lawn games on the mansion grounds.
Oklahoma Trivia Night at The Pump Bar
Thursday, July 26, 2018
History OffCenter and The Pump Bar put Okies’ knowledge to the test in our first Oklahoma history trivia night, hosted by John Souders.
A Night in the Life:
The Roaring Twenties
Friday, October 20, 2017 | Oklahoma History Center
The Oklahoma Historical Society’s first A Night in the Life gala was Friday, October 20, 2017. Held at the Oklahoma History Center, this fundraising event included a Prohibition-era barrelhouse; a mingling area with food, bar, and dance lessons; and an exclusive speakeasy with an open bar. Impromptu live performances and live-action vignettes took us back in time to the golden age of jazz.
Harold Aldridge sang the blues at the Prohibition-era barrelhouse, while Walter Taylor and Taylor Made Jazz played hits in the speakeasy. The evening also included an Oklahoma City University Dance Department dance hall tap performance, temperance movement protesters, Pretty Boy Floyd, a police raid, and more!
Downtown OKC Bike Tour
Saturday, June 3, 2017
This free bike tour pedaled through historic downtown Oklahoma City. The tour was led by OHS Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn and Chuck Wiggin, cofounder of the ’89er Trail. We started at Elemental Coffee at 10 a.m. and ended with lunch and mingling at Fassler Hall.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Thursday, April 13, 2017 | Oklahoma History Center
After drinks and mingling, OHS staff took guests on a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Oklahoma History Center. Curators led the tour of artifact collections ranging from First Ladies’ inaugural gowns to a buffalo-hide tipi, and archivists shared the vast research archives of historic photographs, film, audio, books, and documents.
Film Row and 21c
Thursday, February 23, 2017 | 21c Museum Hotel
In February we partnered with Oklahoma City’s 21c Museum Hotel for an evening of cocktails, music, and history. The night included a performance by Graham Colton and a look at the past and future of the Film Row District with Dr. Bob Blackburn and Fred Hall.
