Press Release
September 3, 2015
Contact: Steve Hawkins
Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0754
shawkins@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/historycenter
Governor Fallin to Host 19th Annual Septemberfest at the Oklahoma History Center
Oklahoma City, Okla. -- Friends of the Mansion and the Oklahoma History Center will share the excitement of hosting the 19th annual Septemberfest, a free fall festival that is open to the public and features well over 60 events and demonstrations. This celebration will take place on September 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The History Center will be the primary location for activities and tours of the first floor of the Governor's Mansion also will be offered.
Septemberfest has grown to attract more than 20,000 attendees since it was initiated by Governor Frank Keating and the Friends of the Mansion, Inc., in 1997. The original intent was to share "Oklahoma's House" with Oklahoma's citizens. Since its inception, Septemberfest has drawn people from all over the world and it continues to grow in popularity. "This is an opportunity to showcase Oklahoma's wonderful history and culture and things that make Oklahoma unique," said Governor Fallin.
This year's theme is "Oklahoma Wild," with a number of demonstrations and exhibits featuring animals that can be seen in Oklahoma, including one of our national symbols, the bald eagle. Free admission will be offered to the Oklahoma History Center that will allow entrance to all of the galleries and activities inside the building. Various agencies also will be represented on the grounds such as the Departments of Agriculture, Education and Homeland Security. Strolling musicians, living historians, free food and treats, food trucks, hands-on crafts and the hourly "boom" of the cannon are just a few of the offerings to the public this year.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Association of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 31 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
